Turkey: 10 TV channels removed and state of emergency extended

The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) have today backed their affiliates TGS and TGC in condemning the removal of at least 10 TV channels in Turkey including Hayatın Sesi, Azadi TV, Jiyan TV, Van TV, TV 10, Denge TV and Zarok TV from the national satellite platform TÜRKSAT. 

According to media reports, the administrative decision severely affecting public’s right to access information is based on an order coming directly from the Turkish Prime minister’s office.

The move comes as the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, quoting France and its 12-month state of emergency as an example, officially announced the extension of the state of emergency in the country for another 3-month period.

Used to fight against terrorism, the state of emergency is today used to silence the opposition. The decision to remove those TV channels is completely illegal and is a clear violation of media freedom as well as an attack on the public’s right to access information”, said TGS, Journalists Union of Turkey.

“Yesterday at 20:00, the signal of Hayatin Sesi television and other targeted stations were shut down by the national satellite platform Türksat without any explanation. Since the declaration on the state of emergency, over 100 journalists have been jailed, around 2.500 have lost their jobs and 660 official press cards have been cancelled by the authorities. Journalism is not a crime and journalists shouldn’t be considered as criminal suspects. Newspapers and tv channels cannot be suspended”, said TGC, Journalists Association of Turkey. 

<font face="Times New Roman">Update on 04.10.2016:</font> Turkish authorities cut the signal of IMC TV, sealed the building of Hayatin Sesi TV, raided the office of Özgür Radyo and detained journalists / media workers.


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