The Istanbul Bar Association has issued a written statement regarding the police operation carried out against Halk TV in the morning hours, the suspension of the channel's broadcast, and the decision to appoint a trustee. The Bar Association stated that the development is "clearly contrary to the norms of a state of law" and called for an end to the interventions.
The statement argued that the actions taken against Halk TV violate fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. The Istanbul Bar Association stated, "The unlawful interventions against Halk TV must be ended immediately, broadcasting must be resumed, and the TMSF's seizure decision must be withdrawn."
"DO NOT BE AN INSTRUMENT OF PROPERTY SEIZURE"
In its statement, the Istanbul Bar Association cited the articles of the Constitution regarding the freedom to express and disseminate thought, freedom of the press, freedom of work and contract, the right to work, and the right to property. The Bar Association stated that independent administrative authorities must act with responsibility in this process.
The Bar Association also emphasized that RTÜK has been sidelined and its function as a guarantor of press freedom has been rendered ineffective. It was noted that the fact that this development occurred on the day Ekrem İmamoğlu was expected to present his defense is significant "in terms of its timing and consequences."
The statement issued by the Bar Association is as follows:
"The dawn operation carried out against Halk TV on the morning of October 14, 2026, the blockade of its building, the suspension of the channel's broadcast, and the appointment of a trustee are clearly contrary to the norms of a state of law.
The dawn operation, organized by disregarding the guarantees provided by Article 13 of the Constitution regarding rights and freedoms, has become the primary instrument for violating the rule of law.
With this intervention, the freedom to express and disseminate thought guaranteed by Article 26 of the Constitution, the freedom of the press regulated in Article 28, the freedom of work and contract in Article 48, the right to work in Article 49, and the right to property in Article 35 are being violated.
Suspending the activities of a media organization and seizing its management affects not only the rights of the organization in question but also the public's freedom to receive information and the democratic environment for public debate. Freedom of the press encompasses not only the publication of news but also the ability of press organizations to operate without being under any pressure.
Independent administrative authorities should not be partners in this path leading to the destruction of the state of law. The TMSF is an institution with supervisory obligations in protecting the right to property guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be an instrument of property seizure.
"INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE STATE OF LAW"
RTÜK, a constitutional institution, has been sidelined, and its function as a guarantor of press freedom has been rendered dysfunctional.
In terms of timing, these developments, which occurred on the day Ekrem İmamoğlu was expected to present his defense, are also significant in terms of their timing and consequences. Placing the press under a police blockade on a day when the voice of the defense is expected to be heard is incompatible with the principles of a democratic state of law.
No person or organ may exercise any state authority that does not derive its source from the Constitution.
The Istanbul Bar Association, which is obligated to defend the rule of law and protect human rights, is closely monitoring this unlawful operation against Halk TV. We call on the relevant authorities to refrain from giving orders that are contrary to the law and constitute a crime; and in accordance with Article 137 of the Constitution, we call on public officials to act in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities and not to carry out these orders.
The unlawful interventions against Halk TV must be ended immediately, broadcasting must be resumed, and the TMSF's seizure decision must be withdrawn.
Law everywhere, at all times, for everyone."
News Source: 12punto
