Istanbul, July 10, (dpa/GNA) — Turkish authorities have ordered a 10-day broadcasting ban on Sözcü TV, one of the country’s most prominent government-critical channels, for allegedly violating media regulations, the head of Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog RTÜK said Wednesday.
Sözcü TV condemned the move as censorship, saying RTÜK cited its coverage of the arrest and removal of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as a reason.
Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is considered a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the wake of his arrest, Turkey has seen nationwide protests in his support, many aired live by opposition outlets.
Another opposition channel, Halk TV, was also handed a 10-day ban, though enforcement was postponed.
Most Turkish media remain under government control and critical broadcasters often face fines or suspensions. The latest bans come amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures, journalists and artists, which critics call a new wave of repression. The government insists the judiciary is independent.
GNA