RTÜK issues broadcast warning regarding school attack in Manisa

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued a broadcasting warning to media organizations following an armed attack in front of a high school in the Turgutlu district of Manisa.

In its statement, the Council emphasized that social peace, public order, and the mental health of children and young people in particular must be protected following the incident. RTÜK stated that it is essential for media service providers to act with a "highly responsible approach to broadcasting."

The statement noted that official announcements from authorities should be taken as the basis to prevent misinformation and ensure the investigation is conducted properly. It requested that violent, traumatic, and frightening footage of the incident not be shared.

The statement included the following: "It is necessary to refrain from sharing footage and content containing elements of violence, trauma, fear, or chaos related to the moment of the incident; to avoid including unverified, speculative information that could cause public outrage; and to show maximum respect for the privacy of students, families, and the educational community. We respectfully inform the public that our Supreme Council will immediately initiate legal sanction processes regarding any potential broadcasts that may damage our social sensitivities or encourage violence."

RTÜK announced that it would immediately initiate legal sanction processes regarding broadcasts that damage social sensitivities or encourage violence.

The Manisa Governor's Office had previously announced that 8 students were injured in the attack in Turgutlu. It was reported that the injured students were taken to the hospital and the armed attacker was apprehended.