Broadcasts by Halk TV, one of Türkiye’s largest opposition television channels, stopped after police searched its newsroom in Istanbul and a trustee was appointed to run it.
The action follows an investigation into the channel’s owner, businessman Cafer Mahiroğlu, who is suspected of bid rigging, bribery and money laundering. The state has placed companies linked to Mahiroğlu under the control of Türkiye’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF).
Eleven people have been detained in the case, and 17 arrest warrants have been issued in total. Mahiroğlu said seven of those detained are members of his family. He lives outside Türkiye and has rejected the accusations as baseless.
Journalists’ associations and opposition politicians condemned the authorities’ actions.
“Storming a TV channel at dawn and appointing a trustee is something only dictators do,” said Özgür Özel, leader of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
