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Turkey's media regulatory authority has imposed a seven-day broadcast suspension and an administrative fine equivalent to 5% of one month's gross advertising revenue on TELE1 TV for allegedly "glorifying terrorists."
The penalties concern remarks of the outlet's editor-in-chief, Merdan Yanardağ, about the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, during a broadcast in late June. He had criticized the denial of access to lawyers and family members for Öcalan.
Following the circulation of selectively edited portions of Yanardağ's speech on social media, investigations had been launched against both the journalist and the outlet. Yanardağ was arrested on June 27 for "spreading terrorist propaganda" and "praising criminals."
While journalists working for Kurdish-focused media outlets often face accusations of "terrorism," the arrest of a such a well-known journalist on these charges has sparked significant public outcry and led to a public debate over Öcalan's prison conditions.
İlhan Taşcı, a member of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), announced the decision after the council's meeting yesterday, stating that TELE1 was penalized for "inciting hatred and enmity" among the public. Taşcı, a member of the main opposition party within RTÜK, alleged that the council had deliberately selected this justification to be able to impose a broadcast suspension on the channel.
Reactions from journalism groups
The Press Council, a prominent journalists' group in the country, described the penalty as a "suspension of freedom of expression and the press."
In a written statement, the group said, "RTÜK, acting on the government's instructions, has demonstrated its disregard for constitutionally protected freedom of expression and the press.
"This decision against TELE1 not only violates the public's right to access information and learn the truth but also serves as evidence that the government is using RTÜK as a tool to silence and, if possible, eliminate independent and free media.
"We remind the authorities that this path is a dead-end, and we urge RTÜK to return to its core mission stated in the organization's law, which is 'to safeguard communication and freedom of expression, protect diverse opinions, and prevent monopolization'."
Erol Önderoğlu, the representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Turkey, said in a tweet, "With their latest heavy-handed penalties, it is clear that they have escalated the oppression to a new level and are determined to silence critical TV channels in order to establish a monolithic media landscape. We stand against any attempts that weaken media diversity."
Press freedom organizations have long criticized RTÜK for taking punitive measures against channels critical of the government. In recent years, an overwhelming majority of penalties issued by RTÜK have five outlets known for their critical stance towards the government, including TELE1. Pro-government outlets, on the other hand, rarely face penalties over political content.
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