Turkey’s media regulator Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has ordered a ten-day broadcast suspension for Sözcü TV, starting 1 June, over its live coverage and commentary on protests involving İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The penalty follows accusations that the channel incited “public hatred and hostility” and comes as part of a wider crackdown on four broadcasters issued on 27 March.
If the administrative court does not issue a stay of execution, the channel will be forced to display only a black screen with RTÜK’s ruling during the blackout period. This is the harshest sanction Sözcü TV has faced short of losing its licence entirely. A repeat offence under the same article could lead to its permanent closure.
RTÜK also penalised other critical outlets, including Halk TV, TELE1 and Now TV, with fines and temporary programme bans. The suspension has drawn condemnation from journalists and media advocates, who warn of rising pressure on independent news in Turkey.
“We are fighting with nothing but journalism,” said Sözcü presenter İpek Özbey, expressing hope that the judiciary will halt the implementation of the ruling.
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