Breaking News... RTÜK had imposed a 10-day blackout penalty: Court ruling on Halk TV!

A significant development has occurred in court regarding the 10-day screen blackout penalty imposed on Halk TV by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). The Ankara 21st Administrative Court has issued a stay of execution for the penalty imposed on the channel.

Evaluating the application made by Halk TV's lawyers, the court requested the video recordings of the broadcast that RTÜK cited as the reason for the penalty, as well as the evaluations and minutes from the council's meeting. Additionally, documents regarding which legal regulations formed the basis for the penalty were requested.

The court granted RTÜK a 30-day period to submit these documents.

However, there is one more stage for the process to be fully clarified. RTÜK can appeal the court's stay of execution decision within 7 days. If this appeal is accepted, the decision could change, and "Halk TV's screen would still be blacked out for 10 days."

But if RTÜK's appeal is rejected and the process continues as it currently stands, Halk TV will be able to continue its broadcasts uninterrupted for at least another 30 days.

WHAT HAPPENED?

RTÜK had imposed a 10-day screen blackout penalty on the channel, citing statements made by one of the guests on a program aired on Halk TV, accusing it of "inciting the public to hatred and hostility." This sanction also brought with it the risk that the channel's broadcasting license would be completely revoked if it received another penalty for the same reason within one year.

According to the RTÜK decision, Halk TV was required to go to a screen blackout as of 00:00 on the night of July 8. However, the channel's lawyers applied to the judiciary immediately after the process and requested a stay of execution.

News Source: 12punto