Police Raid Broadcaster’s Istanbul Headquarters
Turkish police entered the Istanbul headquarters of Halk TV on October 14 and took control of the opposition-linked broadcaster, according to Middle East Eye and other reports.
The station’s live broadcast was interrupted and replaced by pre-recorded material. Authorities appointed the state-run Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a trustee to manage the broadcaster as part of a financial-crimes investigation connected to its chairman, Cafer Mahiroğlu.
Investigation and Opposition Response
Police reportedly detained 11 people after prosecutors issued 17 arrest warrants. The investigation concerns allegations including bribery, tender-rigging and money laundering. The allegations are under investigation and do not by themselves establish guilt.
Halk TV is known for coverage critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government and is associated with Turkey’s opposition. Opposition leader Özgür Özel condemned the trustee appointment, arguing that it would restrict public access to news.
The takeover has renewed concerns about media independence in Turkey, where authorities have previously appointed trustees to other outlets. The case is likely to draw scrutiny over the relationship between financial investigations and state control of news organisations.
