CHP files criminal complaint against TRT Director General

TRT had reported on CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s visit to Turkish Medical Association (TTB) President Şebnem Korur Fincancı under the headline 'The meeting that drew reaction from Özgür Özel'.

HAD BEEN COMPLAINED TO RTÜK

Reacting to the way the news was prepared, the CHP had filed a complaint with RTÜK regarding the TRT report. In the complaint filed by Bulut, the CHP Deputy Chairman responsible for Media and Public Relations and Adana MP, it was stated: 'This discriminatory language cannot be the language of a public institution that is supposed to broadcast impartially with the taxes of 85 million people. The TRT management shaping news with their own feelings and thoughts and attempting to create a perception against a political party is contrary to the TRT Law and is a crime.'

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Continuing its reaction against TRT, the CHP is now preparing to file a criminal complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The criminal complaint to be filed against TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı and board members will demand the punishment of those responsible for the report.

"EVEN IF DUTIES ARE NOT FULFILLED, WE WILL RECORD THIS IN HISTORY"

Making a statement regarding the criminal complaint, CHP Deputy Chairman Bulut said:

"The TRT management, which does not comply with universal broadcasting principles, goes outside the law, ignores the law, and acts as a spokesperson for the government, is committing a crime. TRT's duty is not to engage in politics, but to provide impartial news. Broadcasting this shabbiness under the guise of news, with a one-sided language containing political commentary and criticism regarding a party that 25 million citizens voted for, does not fit public broadcasting. TRT broadcasts with the taxes of 85 million people, not just the citizens who voted for the government. While even the slightest criticism of the government, its policies, and its officials is punished through RTÜK, this report by TRT cannot be ignored. The TRT management has made committing crimes and breaking the law a habit. TRT has turned into a broadcasting institution for the Palace and the Directorate of Communications, not the nation. Whether the judiciary and RTÜK fulfill their duties or not, we have submitted our complaint petition to RTÜK and are following it up. We will also file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office against the TRT Director General and its executives. We expect RTÜK and the judiciary to do their jobs. Even if they do not fulfill their duties, we will record this in history."