# Protests over Halk TV trustee appointment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/protests-over-halk-tv-trustee-appointment
> Updated: 2026-10-19T18:00:15.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

Following the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, political and media figures have organized responses to defend press liberty.

Initially, the YENİ Parti announced a solidarity rally scheduled for Wednesday evening in front of the television station in Istanbul. Party spokesperson Zeynel Emre stated the demonstration aims to support “media freedom and press liberty.” Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu also called on the public to stand by the channel.

This was followed by a broader call from YENİ Parti Chairman Özgür Özel, who invited supporters to gather at the station and participate in marches and press conferences organized by media professional organizations across 14 provinces. While these actions are framed as opposing censorship, journalist Melik Yiğitel criticized the move, suggesting the shift toward street politics reflects a lack of effective political strategy.

Recent developments show that the appointment of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a trustee has coincided with the suspension of Halk TV broadcasts. Media professional organizations, including the Turkish Journalists' Union and the Press Council, have called for simultaneous demonstrations on October 24 in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir to protest against detentions, arrests, and the imposition of trustees. Furthermore, digital access to the channel has been restricted; the platform X has made the station’s account invisible to users within Turkey, following previous access bans on its YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram accounts under Law No. 5651.

In a separate matter, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum rejected allegations made by Özgür Özel regarding a development project in Ayazağa, Istanbul. Kurum stated the project was initiated in 2022 with approval from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), noting the municipality is a direct partner in the project.

## Claims

- A trustee has been appointed to Halk TV following an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- YENİ Parti organized a solidarity rally in front of Halk TV on October 21. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Cafer Mahiroğlu is under investigation for bribery, tender fraud, and money laundering. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Halk TV's X account has been made invisible to users in Turkey. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Press professional organizations scheduled simultaneous protests for October 24 at 14:00. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Four individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation into Cafer Mahiroğlu. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Halk TV's YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram accounts were subject to access bans on October 14. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Turkey's press freedom ranking fell to 163rd place in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Halk TV faces trustee appointment and social media restrictions in Turkey

Halk TV has been placed under trusteeship following a corruption investigation, leading to broadcast suspensions and social media blocks in Turkey, sparking nationwide protests by press organizations.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yeni-parti-announces-rally-in-front-of-halk-tv

### 2026-10-19: Turkish Constitutional Court allows YENİ Parti to retain its name

Turkey's Constitutional Court has ruled that YENİ Parti may keep its name, rejecting a challenge from Yenilik Partisi regarding name similarity.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zgr-zel-calls-for-street-protests-over-halk-tv-trustee-appointment

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Cite as: Protests over Halk TV trustee appointment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/protests-over-halk-tv-trustee-appointment