Censorship of Özgür Özel by NTV

As protests continue across the country following the detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu and many municipal employees as part of the operations conducted against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), the press statement made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel in Saraçhane has created a stir.

In his statement, Özel harshly criticized both the wave of detentions targeting the İBB and the media outlets that ignored the protests. While Özel was questioning the mainstream media's stance on the actions and specifically began addressing media organizations, a notable development occurred.

NTV CUT THE BROADCAST

Just as Özgür Özel was expressing his criticism of the media by saying, "Mainstream media," NTV abruptly cut the broadcast and switched to a studio connection. The channel did not air the remainder of Özel's remarks.

Many users reacted to NTV's decision to cut the broadcast. Users also targeted the Doğuş Group, to which NTV belongs, and called for a boycott.

WHAT DID ÖZEL SAY?

CHP leader Özel had said the following in his interrupted speech:

"I am addressing the mainstream media from here: You receive all your advertisements from a certain income level and a certain level of education. 70 percent of Republican People's Party voters watch you. You try to create a balance with two commentators you bring on, and you blame us for everything in this investigation. Even when there is nothing yet, when it is confidential.

I am saying it from here; to the mainstream media, to the news channels: Do not ignore these reports, do not fail to cover them. I am speaking to those who do not use their power of consumption on Monday, who do not put you in their sights, who say 'They remained silent on this, they did not see it,' and to those who aired penguins during Gezi and then expressed regret the next day. I am speaking to those who did not show a night rally where the police said '220 thousand,' the eye saw 500 thousand, and the drone captured 1 million. 70 percent of those who watch you and vote for us, 70 percent of those who watch you, I would be a coward if I consume the products of your other companies or watch your advertisements, using the power that comes from consumption."

News Source: 12punto