Journalist wears mask in protest of Turkey’s fining opposition TV for “praising terror with mimics”
Turkish journalist Emin Capa has protested Turkey’s media watchdog’s latest decision to fine an opposition channel for “praising terror with mimics” by wearing a mask during a live broadcast on Friday.
“From now on, we will go on air like this so that our mimics won’t be seen. No mimics, no punishment,” Capa said, attending Halk TV’s “Medya Mahallesi” programme that was subjected to Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council’s (RTUK) fines.
RTUK’s opposition member Ilhan Tasci on Wednesday announced that the council has fined Halk TV for “praising terror with mimics” via a Twitter post.
The council banned Halk TV’s “Medya Mahallesi” programme from broadcasting three episodes and issued a financial penalty, Tasci said, adding that the fines imposed by RTUK are an important indicator for “seeking to drown Turkey into darkness and silence ahead of the elections.”
1-RTÜK, Halk TV'de yayınlanan Medya Mahallesi'ne 3 ayrı ceza verdi. Yayında “terör mimikle övüldüğü” savıyla programın 3 kez durdurulmasına, %3 de para cezasına karar verildi. Aynı programın farklı tarihlerdeki 2 ayrı yayınına da %3 para cezası vererek, RTÜK kendi rekorunu kırdı!
— İlhan Taşcı (@ilhantasci) December 21, 2022
Critics frequently accuse RTUK of contributing to the country’s increasing censorship environment by sanctioning independent media that criticize Erdogan administration.
Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party are facing presidential and parliamentary elections by June next year.
