Gezi controversy continues: Recordings from 6 television channels submitted to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office
Upon the request of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, RTÜK has placed broadcasts concerning the Gezi Park protests under scrutiny. The broadcasts of 6 television channels, for which the prosecutor's office requested recordings on the grounds that they "made broadcasts aimed at legitimizing the Gezi events," have been submitted to the prosecutor's office for examination.
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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has sent the broadcast recordings of certain television channels to the prosecutor's office as part of the Gezi Park investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took action on the allegation that the Gezi Park events, which began on May 27, 2013, were being attempted to be legitimized through the media and that these broadcasts caused the social unrest to spread.
REQUEST FOR RECORDINGS FROM THE CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO RTÜK
During the investigation process, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office wrote to RTÜK, requesting that the broadcasts of certain media organizations during the Gezi Park protests be examined and the relevant recordings be forwarded to them. The letter alleged that some media outlets engaged in propaganda for the Gezi Park events and that these broadcasts triggered social unrest.
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office requested that television channels broadcasting from May 27, 2013, onwards be identified and their archive recordings be delivered to the prosecutor's office.
BROADCASTS OF 6 CHANNELS SENT
Following the examination, RTÜK responded to the prosecutor's request. It was learned that the broadcast recordings belonging to Cem TV, Flash TV, Halk TV, Kanal D, Fox TV, and Samanyolu Haber TV were sent to the prosecutor's office. It was reported that the broadcasts of the channels in question during the Gezi Park process are under investigation.
CONNECTION TO THE AYŞE BARIM INVESTIGATION
An important leg of the investigation was opened against talent manager Ayşe Barım. Following reports in the print and visual media that she participated in the Gezi Park protests, proceedings were initiated against Ayşe Barım on charges of "aiding an attempt to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Turkey or to prevent it from performing its duties," and Barım was arrested.
Within the scope of the investigation, which was expanded following Barım's arrest, the way media organizations reported on the events also began to be examined.