Access ban on Fatih Altaylı's YouTube channel... First comment from Altaylı: What does a blanket ban mean?

An access ban has been imposed on the YouTube channel where video notes sent from Marmara Prison by journalist Fatih Altaylı, who was arrested on charges of insulting the President, are published, following a request by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

This decision, taken on August 7, was directed at the video on Altaylı's channel titled "Fatih Altaylı CANNOT COMMENT: 'We are saddened' / 22nd Term Member of Parliament Emin Şirin comments."

The justification for the access ban was stated as "the protection of national security and public order, and the prevention of the commission of crimes." In the 3.40-minute segment of the video in question on Altaylı's YouTube channel, there was a claim that MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli had sent a poem to PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan.

This claim sparked significant controversy, and the possibility of a new investigation being opened regarding the segment in question was brought to the agenda. It was reported that if the appeal does not yield results, Altaylı's channel faces the risk of remaining closed.

Fatih Altaylı reacted sharply to the access ban imposed on his YouTube channel. In a newly published video, he criticized the decision, saying, "As far as I have heard and learned, an access ban is to be imposed on our channel. They have all the media in their hands, hundreds, thousands of bought-off newspapers, journalists, broadcasts, and publishers. They cannot tolerate just me. What kind of ban is this? If there is a crime, that specific broadcast is blocked. What does a blanket ban mean?"

While stating that they would seek their legal rights regarding the ban, Altaylı said, "I suppose it should be possible to watch via VPN. If we can continue, we will do so that way. Let's hope for the best."

Fatih Altaylı's YouTube channel continues its broadcasts under the title "cannot comment." Despite his imprisonment, Altaylı actively uses his social media and YouTube channel to share his comments on current events with his followers.

Following the access ban decision, there is a possibility that Altaylı's channel could be shut down entirely.