Breaking News... Tele1 to go dark: Stay of execution ruling overturned
The stay of execution ruling obtained against RTÜK's 5-day broadcast blackout penalty imposed on Tele1 has been overturned. The decision has been appealed, but if the higher court does not reverse the cancellation, Tele1 will be blacked out for 5 days starting September 1.
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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) had penalised Tele1 television over statements made by Merdan Yanardağ on his programme "4 Soru 4 Yanıt" ("4 Questions 4 Answers"). Following Yanardağ's remarks that "The July 15 coup attempt was an Islamist coup. The AKP government bears primary responsibility for this coup," RTÜK imposed a 5-day broadcast blackout and a 5 percent administrative fine on the channel on the grounds of "inciting society to hatred and enmity."
A STAY OF EXECUTION HAD BEEN GRANTED
In the case filed against RTÜK's decision, the court initially issued a stay of execution, blocking the enforcement of the penalty. However, the process did not end there.
THE RULING HAS BEEN OVERTURNED
Ankara 23rd Administrative Court overturned the previously granted stay of execution. This decision marked a critical turning point for Tele1.
TELE1: WE WILL APPEAL
Tele1's management announced that they have applied to a higher court against the court's cancellation ruling. The channel announced it will continue to follow the process closely.
BROADCAST BLACKOUT MAY BEGIN FROM SEPTEMBER 1
If the higher court does not reverse the decision overturning the stay of execution, Tele1 will face a 5-day broadcast blackout starting from midnight on the night of August 31 going into September 1.