The bar associations of Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Dersim, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, and Van issued a joint statement reacting to the entry of police teams into Halk TV's headquarters, the appointment of a trustee to the channel, and the suspension of its broadcasts.
In the statement dated October 14, 2026, the 15 bar associations stated that the measure in question constitutes a direct intervention in freedom of the press and expression, as well as the public's right to receive information.
The statement emphasized that freedom of the press is one of the fundamental elements of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, citing Articles 26 and 28 of the Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The bar associations stated that interventions in this area must comply with the principles of legality, necessity in a democratic society, and proportionality.
The entry of police teams into Halk TV's headquarters, the appointment of a trustee to the channel, and the suspension of its broadcasts is a direct intervention in freedom of the press and expression and the public's right to receive information.
The bar associations argued that operations against media organizations, journalists, and opposition groups have increased recently, stating that concerns that legal processes are being used as a tool to silence critical voices are deepening.
The joint statement demanded that judicial processes not be used for political purposes and that the public's right to receive information be guaranteed. The bar associations declared that they will continue to defend the rule of law, pluralistic democracy, and fundamental rights and freedoms.
News Source: 12punto
