Former parliamentarians supporting the YENİ Party have joined the reactions against the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV and the suspension of its broadcasts on October 14. A group of 284 individuals, including former ministers, deputies, and senators, protested the decision in a joint statement.
In the declaration titled "Our Call to Our People," the intervention was described as a "new and extremely dangerous stage" in the pressures on press freedom. The statement argued that the decision is incompatible with the constitution and universal principles of law.
A free press is the windpipe of democracy. Where the press is silenced, the public's right to information, democracy itself, and the rule of law are under threat.
The former parliamentarians demanded an end to the pressure on the press and journalists. The declaration emphasized that the law must be applied equally for everyone and called for an end to trustee practices.
CALL FOR "THE WAY OUT IS ELECTIONS"
The statement demanded that Halk TV's "right to broadcast freely be guaranteed immediately." Stating that Turkey is facing economic, legal, and political problems, the parliamentarians alleged that the government is trying to silence the opposition and the critical press.
The joint declaration also emphasized social peace, the rule of law, and democratic rights. The signatory former parliamentarians called on citizens to uphold press freedom and the rule of law.
The way for Turkey to emerge from this crisis is to appeal to the free will of the people and hold elections as soon as possible.
Following the decision regarding Halk TV, channel executives and employees had also made statements. Halk TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş had emphasized their determination to continue their journalistic activities.
News Source: 12punto
