Silence after the İmralı visit: Pro-government media did not carry the meeting on their front pages

The decision by the commission established during the İmralı Process to hold a meeting with Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the separatist organization PKK, did not receive extensive coverage in the printed newspapers close to the government. Although the commission's decision, which was taken with the votes of the AKP, MHP, DEM Party, TİP, and EMEP, was announced on November 21, it was not reflected on the front pages of the vast majority of newspapers the following day. In some newspapers, the decision was only reported in small box items.

THE PROCESS FOLLOWING THE DECISION

Following the commission's decision to go to İmralı, preparations for the visit also became a subject of debate. The pro-government newspaper Türkiye announced as breaking news that the delegation would reach İmralı by helicopter within two hours, but the news was retracted shortly after, and social media posts were deleted.

During this process, the words of MHP member Feti Yıldız, a member of the İmralı Delegation, "O God, make us a key to good and a lock to evil," were interpreted by the public as a sign that the journey had begun. On the other hand, the claim that AKP delegation member Hüseyin Yayman "denied the news" further increased the uncertainty.

Despite the confusion throughout the day, it was confirmed in the evening that the delegation had gone to İmralı Island. The visit was officially confirmed and announced by the TBMM.

THE LACK OF COVERAGE OF THE VISIT DREW ATTENTION

Despite the confirmation of the visit, this development was not included in the headlines of pro-government media outlets the next day. Only the newspapers Akşam, Türkiye, Milliyet, and Hürriyet reported the visit with small box items on their front pages.

Sabah, Takvim, and Yeni Şafak newspapers did not carry the visit on their front pages or inside their pages. It was also noted that the MHP-affiliated newspaper Türkgün did not use the news on its front page either.

ASSESSMENTS IN THE LOBBIES

Although the commission's decision was reached with an AKP majority, claims that some party officials were hesitant about the visit due to the "risk of losing votes" had been discussed in the lobbies. Conversely, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli had clearly expressed that the meeting should take place.

News Source: 12punto