In a strongly worded statement at midnight on Saturday, Ebubekir Şahin, head of Turkey’s media regulator Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), warned media outlets that their broadcasting licences could be revoked if they continue to air coverage deemed unlawful by the state. The announcement follows widespread public demonstrations across Istanbul and other metropolitan cities, triggered by judicial proceedings against the opposition party Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Şahin accused certain broadcasters of inciting unrest and acting as “spokespersons for illegal organisations”. He said any media platforms broadcasting in violation of legal and ethical guidelines, including those hosting commentators who are alleged to insult public officials, judiciary members or security forces, would face severe penalties. These could include the suspension of broadcasting or, in extreme cases, licence cancellation.
“We reiterate that those inviting the public to take to the streets, providing a platform for illegal rhetoric, or broadcasting in a biased manner contrary to the law will face sanctions ranging from long-term broadcast bans to ultimate licence revocation,” Şahin said.
He also criticised coverage that diverged from official statements regarding the investigation, calling on the media to rely solely on information from authorised sources. While thanking outlets he considered responsible and neutral, he explicitly warned “a handful” of others that this would be their final warning.
Millions have taken to the streets across Turkey, with Istanbul at the centre of demonstrations denouncing what many see as politically motivated targeting of İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure and potential presidential contender. Independent and pro-opposition outlets have been key in documenting the protests and sharing dissenting voices, prompting increasing government scrutiny, while the mainstream media has largely withdrawn from covering the mass mobilisation. CHP leader Özgür Özel strongly criticised this silence on Saturday, accusing mainstream broadcasters of deliberately ignoring a moment of historic public resistance.
