Arrest warrant had been issued: Serhan Asker released after giving statement

Halk TV Managing Editor Serhan Asker, who hosts the weekend program Görkemli Hatıralar, was subject to an arrest warrant. Asker went to the courthouse to give a statement after his lawyer called to inform him of the situation.

According to a report by Esra Tokat from ANKA, it was learned that an investigation was launched by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in 2022 regarding a news story published on halktv.com.tr in 2021, and an indictment was prepared on January 28, 2024.

Following the acceptance of the indictment by the Antalya 31st Criminal Court of First Instance, the first hearing of the case was held. The presiding judge issued an arrest warrant for Asker.

Asker gave his statement at the duty court and was subsequently released.

Speaking to ANKA News Agency after giving his statement, Asker said:

“An arrest warrant was issued for such a simple offense just because the news story was not removed from the website immediately after the first hearing. A ‘compulsory appearance’ order could have been issued for the next hearing. Because we know the legislation. But the arrest warrant is entirely intended to intimidate. However, as Halk TV, we will resolutely defend the public's right to receive news to the end.”