Turkish Parliament's Digital Media Commission to discuss Disney Plus's decision not to air "Atatürk" series

Chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Digital Media Commission and AKP Hatay MP Hüseyin Yayman stated that their commission will discuss Disney Plus's decision not to air the Atatürk series during its first meeting to be held on Thursday, October 12, noting that issues such as license revocation, condemnation, fines, and advertising bans would be evaluated in this regard.

The commission will discuss Disney Plus's decision not to air the "Atatürk" series during its first meeting of the new legislative year on Thursday, October 12.

Providing an assessment on the matter, Commission Chairman Hüseyin Yayman stated that their primary agenda item is Disney Plus's decision not to air the Atatürk documentary, and explained that they would listen to the members of parliament from parties with groups in the Assembly.

"WE WILL BRING FORWARD THE PROPOSAL FOR LICENSE REVOCATION IF NECESSARY"

Stating that they hope to issue a unanimous condemnation, Yayman said, "Because we never accept and do not find it right that Disney Plus made this decision regarding the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in the 100th year of our Republic. I have stated before, we will bring forward the proposal for license revocation if necessary. We will deliberate on all of these, including issuing a condemnation, imposing a fine, and implementing an advertising ban if necessary."

Yayman said that they do not approve of and condemn the fact that platforms, which define themselves as areas of freedom and claim to defend freedom of expression on digital networks, have made such a decision regarding Mustafa Kemal, a symbol of a nation and a source of inspiration for many nations.

"DISNEY PLUS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO REPLY"

Stating that the silence of artists who have series or films on the platform or have connections to it is also significant, Yayman said, "We are facing an event that serves as a litmus test for so-called intellectuals and so-called artists who use the name of Atatürkism and hide behind Atatürk's photograph. We do not find this right, and the first meeting of our commission as soon as the Turkish Parliament opens is to deliberate on this decision. Furthermore, we will also give Disney Plus the right to reply. We will summon them to the Turkish Parliament as well. What is the justification for this decision of theirs? Were they pressured? Did someone give them an order? Do digital networks act on orders? They have the right to answer these."

Pointing out that they view the decision not to air the series as an attack on freedom of expression in the 100th year of the Republic and that they do not approve of it, Yayman said, "An attack on the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is an attack on our nation. Therefore, we will listen to our members of parliament regarding this decision and take their opinions."

Hüseyin Yayman emphasized that they attach importance to the issue, noting that they will take the opinions of the members of parliament on this matter and that they respect the commission's decision.

News Source: AA