Turkish media regulator imposes fines on opposition TV stations

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), Turkey's regulatory body for radio and television, decided Wednesday to impose administrative fines and program suspensions on Fox, Halk TV and Tele1, RTUK opposition member Ilhan Tasci wrote on Twitter.

Tasci said, "The RTUK fined Halk TV and Tele 1 with a 5% (revenue) fine and suspended related programs for five times. Fox's “Orta Sayfa” and Halk TV's “Halk Meydani” programs were each fined by 3% [of their revenues]."

According to Tasci, all these fines were based on comments and news after the earthquake.

"We live in a time when reporting is considered a crime, but public swearing is considered 'freedom,'" he said.

Another RTUK member, Okan Konuralp, also condemned the decision.

On the occasion of these fines, I must say that the political will to strangle press freedom with RTUK fines is in a frenzy of guilt," he said.