Operation on media on pro-government channel and claims of a trustee for Halk TV! 'I see this process as the beginning'

In Istanbul, as part of an investigation launched into a criminal organization, the 5th wave of operations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) was initiated following the confession of Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who was alleged to be the leader of the organization and cited as the basis for the Beşiktaş Municipality investigation. Following the statements given by Aktaş, who was released, an arrest warrant was issued for Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu on charges of “rigging a tender.”

Mahiroğlu clearly stated that he does not know Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who became a whistleblower in the investigation involving his name.

Pro-government journalist Cem Küçük, who 'previously' reported on operations against the opposition, claimed that the arrest warrant issued for Mahiroğlu is the first step of a larger operation targeting the media.

Küçük suggested that not only Halk TV, but other media institutions and organizations would also face similar processes.

On the other hand, Barış Yarkadaş argued that the incident could evolve into a "trustee" process for Halk TV.

CEM KÜÇÜK: "THE ARREST WARRANT IS DIRECTLY AIMED AT IMPRISONMENT"

Speaking on a live broadcast on TGRT, Cem Küçük made the following statements regarding the issue:

"I asked my judicial sources. This arrest warrant was issued directly for imprisonment. It is known that the whistleblower Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who said he gave bribes to the Beşiktaş Municipality — and which later spread to 5 municipalities — also spoke about Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu. Looking at the report I read regarding the whistleblower Aziz İhsan Aktaş and Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu, it is also understood that Mahiroğlu is in England."

CEM KÜÇÜK: "THE FIRST STEP OF THE OPERATION TARGETING THE MEDIA"

Pointing out that the investigation would not be limited only to political or local administrations, Cem Küçük warned that moves against some names in the media sector might begin. In his statement, Küçük included the following expressions:

"There is a criminal organization, and it has a media leg. Some journalists were organized to promote İmamoğlu using public money. There are also those who admit to receiving money. I see this process as the beginning of the media leg. Since the day İmamoğlu arrived, his advertising has been done very well. Those journalists should not say they did not receive money. There are other statements shared with information such as go on Rome trips, receive cash by hand. Go on other trips. Everything will be asked."

YARKADAŞ: "THIS DECISION IS A HARBINGER OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE"

Barış Yarkadaş stated that what is happening could pave the way for not only a judicial but also an institutional intervention:

"This decision is the first sign of a trustee being appointed to Halk TV! When I saw the decision, I said 'oh no.' Because this decision is a sign that a trustee will be appointed to Halk TV. In such investigations, the matter goes to a trustee. I hope it doesn't go that far. Cafer Mahiroğlu says he doesn't know Aziz İhsan Aktaş at all. I hope he comes here and says it in front of the judge as well. He should use his right to be cleared."

News Source : 12punto