Why did RTÜK penalize the TV series Arka Sokaklar?

The new episode of Kanal D's series Arka Sokaklar could not be aired once again. RTÜK imposed a program suspension penalty on Arka Sokaklar, and the series was not broadcast on December 27 and January 3. Arka Sokaklar, whose penalty ends this week, will return to the screen with a new episode next week. Arka Sokaklar received this penalty due to an episode that focused on a religious cult.

In the 691st episode of Arka Sokaklar, an incident of child abuse occurring within a cult was addressed. Because of this episode, RTÜK found that portraying religious beliefs as if they were solely in the hands of one person or group, and having a religious group use threatening rhetoric against state law enforcement, violated broadcasting principles. Arka Sokaklar received a 2-episode program suspension, and Kanal D was fined 3 percent. The show's actor, Şevket Çoruh, tweeted "I consider it an award" following the penalty decision. Kanal D also removed the penalized episode from the internet.