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[POLITICS] · Türkiye · 100 sources

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Halk TV seized by Turkish authorities following police raid

Turkish authorities have seized control of Halk TV, a prominent opposition news channel, following a police raid on its Istanbul headquarters. The operation, which occurred in the early hours of October 14, resulted in the suspension of live broadcasts and the appointment of a state-appointed trustee to manage the station's affiliated companies.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched the intervention as part of a financial investigation into Halk TV Chairman Cafer Mahiroğlu. The investigation includes allegations of bribery, bid rigging, and money laundering. Authorities have issued detention warrants for 17 individuals, with 11 suspects already in custody. Mahiroğlu, who is reportedly abroad, has rejected the accusations.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the CHP and Yeni Parti, as well as press freedom organizations like the Turkish Journalists Association. Critics argue the takeover is a political attempt to silence opposition voices and restrict the public's right to information. Yeni Parti members staged a protest at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, wearing black tape over their eyes and mouths to demonstrate against the trustee appointment.

Entities

Cafer Mahiroğlu · Deniz Bayramoğlu · Halk TV · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu · Savings Deposit Insurance Fund · Turkish Grand National Assembly · Yeni Parti · Özgür Özel

Claims

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Sources

Halk TV'ye polis baskını [www.pressturk.com]
Turkey takes down opposition TV [www.advanced-television.com]