RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin defends Kızıl Goncalar censorship: 'It was impossible for us to remain silent'

RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin defended the 9 million TL fine and the 2-episode broadcast suspension imposed on the series 'Kızıl Goncalar'. Şahin stated, "It was impossible for us to remain silent in the face of what was done right before our eyes." Şahin also announced that they had received nearly 36 thousand complaints from citizens.

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RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin defends Kızıl Goncalar censorship: 'It was impossible for us to remain silent'

The series Kızıl Goncalar, broadcast on FOX TV, has made a significant impact since its very first episode.

The series, which marks the return of Özgü Namal and Özcan Deniz to the screen in leading roles, was targeted by certain circles.

Following the backlash against the series, which was reported to RTÜK, a 9 million TL fine and a 2-episode broadcast suspension were imposed. It was stated that the penalty was issued because Kızıl Goncalar contained "contradictions to the national and spiritual values of society."

RTÜK member Tuncer Keser, representing the CHP, stated that one of the reasons for the penalty against Kızıl Goncalar was a 'pastry scene' in the series.

'WE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM NEARLY 36 THOUSAND CITIZENS'

Days later, responding to questions from Hacı Yakışıklı of TV100, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin spoke about Kızıl Goncalar.

Şahin said, "The series Kızıl Goncalar hit the ground running. Look, RTÜK was established in 1994. I do not recall a production receiving this many complaints throughout the history of RTÜK. Can the reaction of nearly 36 thousand citizens be ignored? Our experts examined the production meticulously.

We identified the sensitive points in the series and singled out the instances that violated broadcasting principles. No one can mock the national and spiritual values of the Turkish people. They cannot belittle our values. They cannot demean our citizens through perception games," he said.

'IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO REMAIN SILENT'

Şahin stated, "Our duty as RTÜK is to enforce Law No. 6112, which protects the rights of our citizens. No one has the right to look down on any segment of the public. It is not possible for us to remain silent in the face of what was done right before our eyes."

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF KIZIL GONCALAR?

Kızıl Goncalar follows the intersecting fates of Levent (Özcan Deniz), a secular Kemalist, and Meryem (Özgü Namal), who lives within a conservative religious sect, while highlighting the unifying power of motherhood/fatherhood when it comes to a "child," despite differences in faith and opinion.

The production of Kızıl Goncalar is undertaken by Faruk Turgut, while the screenplay is written by Şükrü Necati Şahin. The series stars Özcan Deniz and Özgü Namal.

News Source: 12punto