Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed multiple sanctions on several media outlets, including Halk TV, Sözcü TV, TELE1, and two digital platforms, for various broadcasting violations. Halk TV received a 10-day broadcasting suspension and a 3% administrative fine due to statements made by a guest on the program "Sinem Fıstıkoğlu ile Sansürsüz." The channel faces potential license revocation if a similar penalty occurs within one year. Sözcü TV was fined 5% and subjected to five program suspensions following controversial remarks by Dr. Murat Kubilay, who stated, "Turkey is not a Muslim country." TELE1 was fined 3% for using derogatory expressions, including referring to a figure as a "coup leader." Earlier, TELE1 was also fined 3% for comments criticizing Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek. These measures have drawn criticism from opposition figures, including Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who described the sanctions as an attack on the public's right to information and press freedom. The broadcasting restrictions on Halk TV and Sözcü TV will commence on July 8, 2025.
Two major opposition news channels in #Turkey will be silenced for ten days as of July 8. This is an draconian interruption against freedom of press & expression. @mustfsnmz rightly asks "Is this a preparation to axe people's right to be informed?" @halktvcomtr @SozcuGazetesi https://t.co/1WmIpGvjZt
Halk TV ve Sözcü TV'ye ekran karartma cezasına Müsavat Dervişoğlu'ndan tepki: "Korkunun ecele faydası yok" https://t.co/cIvVHwsMCm
Halk TV ve Sözcü TV'ye ekran karartma cezasına Mansur Yavaş'tan tepki: "Bu kararlar yalnızca iki televizyon kanalına değil; doğrudan halkın haber alma hakkına yöneliktir. Basın özgürlüğü demokrasilerin temelidir" https://t.co/jxNLeeBVvI