Merdan Yanardağ's first statement on the appointment of a trustee to TELE 1: Intolerance toward dissenting views

Yanardağ issued a statement regarding the appointment of a trustee to TELE 1. Yanardağ said, "This is a heavy blow to press freedom."

In a message conveyed by journalist Murat Taylan, Yanardağ reacted as follows:

"Their true intentions have been revealed. Their goal is to silence Tele1 and me. It is a sign that the country is being dragged toward a totalitarian regime. It is a heavy blow to press freedom. It is impossible to silence Turkey, to silence the people, or to change the course of history."

Merdan Yanardağ, who is currently in custody, also stated that he is in good condition and concluded his message by emphasizing his belief that the public will not leave them alone:

"I am fine. I believe that this public will not leave us alone. No lie can be stronger than the truth. This is tyranny. It is the elimination of freedom of the press and expression. It is an intolerance toward independent media and dissenting views."

News Source: 12punto