# Turkey takes over Halk TV

> Turkish authorities seize top news channel amid corruption probe.
- Title: Turkey takes over Halk TV · Dw | Shortify
- Summary: Turkish authorities seize top news channel amid corruption probe. Turkish government raided Halk TV's Istanbul studios, appointing a trustee to investigate…
- Keywords: turkey, halk tv, cafer mahiroglu, corruption, government raid, press freedom, erdogan, news, world, politics, takes, Halk
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/turkey-government-raids-takes-over-top-news-channel/a-79662749?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: turkey, halk tv, cafer mahiroglu, corruption, government raid, press freedom, erdogan, news, world, politics
## 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
## Key takeaway

Turkish government raided Halk TV's Istanbul studios, appointing a trustee to investigate alleged corruption by owner Cafer Mahiroglu.