Batman care center abuse prompts 16 arrests and fines for two TV stations

The Batman Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into alleged mistreatment of disabled residents at a private care centre in Batman, Turkey. Sixteen suspects were detained, taken to court and subsequently ordered detained pending trial. The provincial governor announced that administrative inspections were carried out by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and that protective measures for the centre’s users were immediately implemented.

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) later imposed administrative fines on Halk TV and Koza TV for violating a judicial broadcast ban on reporting the allegations. The ban, issued on 3 June, was breached when the two channels aired related news on 19 and 20 June. RTÜK classified the broadcasts as a systematic violation of the law and fined the stations under the Radio and Television Law, citing the principle of the rule of law and impartiality.