The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and several press and writers’ organizations visited the offices of Halk TV and Sözcü TV on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to express solidarity following broadcast suspension penalties issued by Turkey’s media regulator.
The delegation included representatives from the Turkish Journalists’ Association (TGC), the Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS), the Turkish Publishers Association, the Turkish Writers’ Union, PEN Turkey, and DİSK Basın-İş, the press union affiliated with the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions. MLSA was represented by its general coordinator, Batıkan Erkoç.
At Halk TV, the visitors were received by editor-in-chief Suat Toktaş, while Sözcü TV’s editor-in-chief Özgür Çakmakçı hosted the delegation at his outlet’s headquarters.
During the visits, the seven professional organizations emphasized the critical importance of Halk TV and Sözcü TV continuing their broadcasts in defense of press freedom and freedom of expression. In a press statement following the visit to Sözcü TV, the groups condemned the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), accusing the media watchdog of turning into a tool of censorship.
Background
On June 22, 2025, RTÜK ruled to impose 10-day broadcast bans on both channels. Sözcü TV was penalized for airing coverage of a rally held by opposition leader Özgür Özel in Istanbul’s Saraçhane district, while Halk TV was punished for comments made during a panel discussion. Both sanctions were issued on the grounds of “inciting hatred and enmity among the public.”
While Halk TV’s request for a stay of execution was granted by the court, Sözcü TV’s appeal was rejected. As a result, Sözcü TV will be forced to cease broadcasting for 10 days starting July 9.
