RTÜK President threatens opposition media: 'Up to license cancellation...'

Following a call by the CHP Istanbul Youth Branch, a large number of citizens attempted to go to the CHP Istanbul Provincial Headquarters building, where a trustee was appointed to replace the dismissed administration.

However, the roads leading to the building were closed off by police barricades. Footage of hundreds of citizens attempting to overcome the police blockade became a major topic on social media and television screens.

ŞAHİN TARGETS OPPOSITION MEDIA

Making a statement regarding the opposition channels that reported on the developments, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin said, "Broadcasts that harm social peace and public security will not be tolerated today, just as they were not yesterday. All necessary sanctions, including administrative fines, suspension of broadcasts, and ultimately license cancellation, will be applied against organizations that broadcast in this manner."

INTIMIDATION OF THE PRESS

The statement by RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin is as follows:

"This is an open call to broadcasters;

It is a legal obligation to strictly adhere to press and broadcasting principles and the provisions of legislation regarding news broadcasting under all circumstances. Broadcasts that threaten public order, encourage violence, exploit social sensitivities, or could provoke the masses—especially those with very serious consequences such as calling the public to the streets—will not be permitted in any way. In particular, a broadcasting approach that targets police officers, administrative superiors, public officials on duty, or members of the judiciary is a clear violation of legislation and will face severe sanctions.

The transmission of unverified information in live broadcasts is an example of irresponsibility that leads to panic and misinformation in society. It is legally mandatory for our broadcasters not to deviate from the ethical rules determined in the broadcasting set and to maintain the boundaries between news and commentary.

Broadcasts that harm social peace and public security will not be tolerated today, just as they were not yesterday; all necessary sanctions, including administrative fines, suspension of broadcasts, and ultimately license cancellation, will be applied against organizations that broadcast in this manner.

As the Supreme Council, we importantly and for the last time remind all our broadcasters that they must act with a sense of responsibility while making their broadcasts, and that they must observe public interest and social peace as much as freedom of the press and broadcasting.

Respectfully announced to the public."

News Source: 12punto