Following the police operation conducted at Halk TV's headquarters in Istanbul early Wednesday morning, a new decision has been taken at the channel. After the broadcast was halted and a trustee was appointed to the management, Halk TV employees were placed on mandatory administrative leave for one week.
In a message sent by the trustee management to the employees, who remained in the building until late at night following the operation, it was announced that they would be considered on administrative leave between October 16, 2026, and October 23, 2026. The message stated that, unless otherwise specified by unit managers, the decision would be implemented in a way that does not cause disruptions to the work schedule.
Dear Halk TV Employees; In line with the decision of our company management, and unless otherwise specified to you by your unit managers, you are considered on administrative leave from 16.10.2026 to 23.10.2026 in a manner that will not cause any disruption to the work schedule. For your information...
There has been no new public statement yet regarding when the channel will resume broadcasting and when employees will return to their duties. With the operation, not only the broadcast schedule but also the work order of the employees has been changed by the trustee's decision.
LATEST STATUS IN THE INVESTIGATION
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, in its statement regarding the investigation conducted into Cafer Mahiroğlu, included allegations concerning connections to the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the establishment of BUSTECH, the unfair acquisition of benefits from tenders, and the receipt of 14.4 million liras in unregistered bribes.
Cafer Mahiroğlu, for his part, denied the accusations against him. It was stated that Mahiroğlu argued that the Financial Crimes Investigation Board report was inaccurate and requested that the trustee decision be stayed.
Within the scope of the investigation, detention warrants were issued for 17 people. It was announced that 12 of these individuals have been detained, while four were found to be abroad and one was found to be in a penal institution. The 12 people in custody have been referred to the courthouse.
One day after the operation, journalist Bahadır Özgür was also detained on charges of "violating the confidentiality of the investigation." It was reported that Özgür has also been referred to the courthouse.
News Source: 12punto
