YENİ Party Chairman Özgür Özel paid a solidarity visit to Halk TV after trustees were appointed to the channel. Meeting with channel executives and staff in Istanbul, Özel stated that the action cannot be portrayed merely as a corporate matter, arguing that the true target is the channel's editorial line.
Visiting Halk TV following the IMM Case, Özel said in his statement: “The main issue, what they want to seize, is Halk TV’s approach to broadcasting. Let no one fool anyone. What is being targeted is the public's right to receive information.”
Özel claimed that the decision is aimed at obstructing the operations of one of Turkey's most-watched news channels, stating, “The target is to stop Turkey's most-watched news channel. Everything else is just an excuse.”
ÖZEL: THE ISSUE IS SILENCING HALK TV
Drawing attention to the timing of the trustee appointment, Özel noted that the right to defense was only able to be exercised after a long time in the IMM Case heard in Silivri. Describing the action taken against Halk TV on the same day as “significant,” Özel alleged that media outlets that amplify the voice of the opposition are being pressured.
Criticizing the fact that the channel is broadcasting pre-recorded content, Özel asked, “If that is the case, why is Halk TV not continuing its normal broadcasts? Why are you continuing with pre-recorded broadcasts?” He stated that channel employees were forced to report on the situation at their own institution's door instead of doing their jobs.
In his statement, Özel noted that the processes regarding the channel's owner should be evaluated separately from its broadcasting activities, stating that the true owners of television channels and newspapers are the public. Özel said, “The owner of this channel may be Mr. Cafer, but the true owners of television channels and newspapers are the public, the people, and the public's right to receive information.”
Özel sent a message of solidarity to Halk TV employees, saying, “You have tried to do your profession with your honor and the sweat of your brow.” He stated that they would continue to do what is necessary to ensure the channel's voice is heard.
News Source: 12punto
