New sanctions statement from RTÜK President Şahin: 'We are against censorship'

Şahin answered questions from members of the press after an iftar dinner held as part of the 'Heart to Heart Together' program at the Darülaceze Social Life City. Reiterating his warnings to broadcasting organizations, Şahin said, 'The measures we take are not censorship. As RTÜK, we will continue to perform our duties.'

Following his post on his social media account titled 'A Clear and Very Important Warning to Broadcasting Organizations!', Şahin made the following statements to the press:

'I know that we are heavily criticized on this issue. However, were we not supposed to issue warnings while broadcasts were being made that incite the public to hatred and enmity, and specifically target our police and law enforcement officers who are trying to maintain public order? Were we to remain silent while live broadcasts were being aired that attempted to put pressure on our judges and prosecutors? No one should take offense; the state and its institutions do what is necessary in such situations.'

Şahin opposed the perception of these warnings as censorship. Stating, 'If these warnings are seen by some as censorship, we are against censorship. The measures we take are not censorship,' Şahin emphasized that RTÜK provides a free environment within the boundaries of broadcasting.

Şahin also responded to criticisms such as, 'Such broadcasts used to happen, but we wouldn't receive warnings.' Saying, 'I am sorry, but neither is Turkey the old Turkey, nor is RTÜK the old RTÜK,' Şahin added:

'Where can you invite the public to take to the streets? Where can you make them targets for illegal organizations? Can you amplify these broadcasts while law enforcement officers are being cursed at and our state officials are being insulted? No one should take offense; we have had enough of such cheap tricks. As RTÜK, we will continue to carry out our inspections within the framework of the authority granted to us by our constitution and laws.'

Stating that the warnings to broadcasting organizations have come to an end, Şahin said, 'We have issued the warnings; from now on, no more warnings will be issued. The time for talk is over; from now on, we will discuss our board decisions and reports.'