Turkish law enforcement authorities have reportedly conducted sweeping raids on the newsroom of Halk TV, an opposition-leaning television network, forcing a temporary suspension of its broadcast and transferring the channel to external state management. The Turkish authorities claim these drastic measures are connected to a criminal investigation launched against the network's leadership.
According to reports by Deutsche Welle, officers from specialized units dealing with terrorism, organized crime, and financial offenses entered the editorial offices on the morning of October 14. Network journalists stated that the police initiated thorough searches of the premises and barred staff members from accessing their workstations.
The Turkish regime has reportedly appointed the state-run Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a temporary trustee for Halk TV. Consequently, control over the broadcaster's programming and operational management has been handed over to this government-controlled body, effectively curtailing independent editorial oversight.
Information from the Associated Press indicates that the prosecutor's office alleges the raids are part of an ongoing case against Halk TV's owner, Cafer Mahiroğlu. He is purportedly suspected of taking bribes, committing fraud in public tenders, and engaging in money laundering.
Arrest warrants have reportedly been issued for 17 individuals in connection with the case, with 11 of them already detained at the time of publication. Mahiroğlu, who is currently outside of Turkey, has dismissed the allegations as completely groundless, claiming that the newsroom searches and the seizure of the network are politically motivated. He also alleged that seven of his relatives have been detained.
The dpa news agency noted that Halk TV is widely considered close to the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and has frequently criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). A similar measure was taken a year ago against another opposition channel, Tele1, whose editor-in-chief was imprisoned on espionage charges before the station was also handed over to state trusteeship.
Source: kun.uz