CHP leader Özgür Özel supports channels penalized by RTÜK

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has expressed support for the television channels that were hit with a barrage of penalties by RTÜK due to their broadcasts regarding the process involving the potential arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. 

Özel shared a post on his social media account regarding the issue.

Sharing a photo of himself reading Sözcü newspaper, the CHP leader stated the following:

"The unlawful penalties imposed by RTÜK, which acts as the government's media cudgel, against Sözcü TV, Halk TV, Tele1, and Now TV are unacceptable. We will increase solidarity for the future of our country. Wherever there is injustice or lawlessness, we will continue to stand against it together."

Here are the penalties issued by RTÜK:

Halk TV: A 5 percent fine and a 5-time program suspension were imposed due to criticisms and boycott calls made during Özgür Özel's rally. A 3 percent fine was also applied due to statements made by Başarır.

SZC TV: Received a 10-day broadcast suspension for "inciting the public to hatred and hostility" due to live broadcasts from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Additionally, a 3 percent fine was issued due to Ali Mahir Başarır's remarks regarding Bahçeli.

Tele1: A 5 percent fine and a 5-time program suspension were decided due to similar broadcasts. Furthermore, an additional 3 percent fine was imposed due to expressions directed at the RTÜK Chairman.

Now TV: Received a 2 percent administrative fine due to criticisms regarding the İmamoğlu investigation on the "Orta Sayfa" program. 

THE TURN HAS COME FOR YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Additionally, RTÜK decided to impose an access ban within 72 hours on the Fatih Altaylı and Flu TV YouTube channels on the grounds that they did not apply for a license.