Following the appointment of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a trustee to Halk TV and the subsequent suspension of the channel's broadcasts, staff members gathered in the studio. Halk TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş, speaking in front of the employees, stated that control of the broadcast had been taken away from them.
Toktaş argued that the channel was seized in a "midnight operation" and said they were unable to bid farewell to viewers during a live broadcast. Stating that police arrived at the channel's building, Toktaş said, "The master control room had been seized. Therefore, we were unable to say goodbye on air."
Emphasizing that they would continue their journalistic activities, Toktaş said, "But journalism does not end. We could not say goodbye on air, but we will try to make our voices heard in some way. We do not know yet how that will happen or through which channels."
Toktaş argued that the decision affects not only the channel's employees but also the viewers' right to receive information. Stating that Halk TV has tried to be the voice of different segments of society, Toktaş said the channel's editorial line was based on rights-based journalism and informing the public.
"We tried to be the voice of Turkey here. The largest, most-watched channel in Turkey has been seized. In reality, your right to know is being obstructed."
In his statement, Toktaş noted that the channel had previously faced pressure, economic difficulties, and broadcast suspension decisions, and addressed the public on behalf of the staff with the words, "Journalism does not end, these days will pass."
11 DETAINED IN INVESTIGATION
As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention warrants were issued for 17 people, including Halk TV Chairman of the Board Cafer Mahiroğlu. It was reported that 11 people have been detained in the investigation, which includes accusations of "bribery," "rigging of tenders," and "laundering of assets derived from crime."
It was stated that companies linked to Mahiroğlu were seized as part of the investigation and that the TMSF was appointed as a trustee. It was noted that police teams entered the Halk TV building in the morning and the channel's broadcast was halted.
News Source: 12punto
