Stay of Execution for Halk TV’s Five-Time Broadcast Suspension

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The Ankara 10th Administrative Court has temporarily halted the execution of five-day broadcast suspension imposed by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) on "Medya Mahallesi" (Media Neighborhood) program hosted by Ayşenur Arslan on pro-opposition Halk TV.

The administrative court has noted that the broadcast of the program has been suspended without the decision being notified to the channel and without its defense being taken. For these reasons, the court has concluded that the broadcast suspension in question is not legal.

Noting that the notification of the decision to the channel as well as its defense is obligatory for a broadcast suspension, the court has reversed the decision on procedural grounds to examine it as to the merits.

The written notification of the decision to the channel and its defense will be awaited before the penalty of the RTÜK can enter into force and the legal process of objection can start. Even when the RTÜK uses its right to object in ten days, Arslan can still host her program in this period.

Joint broadcast with Şirin Payzın

The first of five-time broadcast suspension imposed by the RTÜK on Ayşenur Arslan's program on April 30 was implemented yesterday (May 11). Today, Arslan was again on Halk TV with her program "Media Neighborhood." She had a joint broadcast with Şirin Payzın.

Speaking about the stay of execution of the court, Arslan said, "As you know, our broadcast has been suspended for five episodes. You watched a documentary as of yesterday. But, today, the court has given a ruling of stay of execution. We will cut a rug out there with Şirin Payzın as two women who are given penalties, but say 'We will not stay silent'."

Payzın: It would be shameful for the RTÜK

When Arslan reminded Payzın that the broadcast of her program was also suspended for five weeks, Payzın said, "If the RTÜK puts its decision into force, we will not be around for five weeks. But, I still hope that the RTÜK and the administrative court that we have applied to will act with common sense and return from this ridiculous decision. Because it would indeed be a shameful decision on the part of the RTÜK." (HA/SD)