Government raids Halk TV

Turkish authorities raided Halk TV's Istanbul studios Wednesday, cutting all broadcasts and appointing a government trustee.

“Police raid at Halk TV headquarters! A trustee [manager] has been appointed, broadcasts have been halted”

Investigation into corruption

Istanbul Prosecutor's Office says Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroglu is under investigation for bribery, tender-rigging, and asset laundering.

Broadcasts cut to 1973 film

Live news feeds were replaced with a 1973 Turkish film during the raid, interrupting an investment-fund scandal interview.

Mahiroglu denies allegations

Mahiroglu, who lives abroad, called the raid a 'dark day for Turkey' and claimed the corruption allegations were 'baseless'.

“The public's right to information is being seized for political reasons”

Opposition condemns move

New Party leader Ozgur Ozel called the raid 'weak and cowardly', saying it targeted jailed Erdogan opponent Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

“Raiding a television channel at dawn and appointing a trustee is an act only dictators would commit”

Press freedom at risk

Press freedom groups warn the move threatens Turkey's constitutional rights and public access to information.

“The appointment of a trustee at Halk TV and the suspension of its broadcast constitute a grave intervention against press freedom”