International Reaction against Trustee Appointment to Media Outlets

Appointing trustee to media organs operating within Koza-İpek Holding, raiding media outlets and shutting broadcasts have drawn international reactions.

While Human Rights Watch likens Bugün TV and Kanaltürk raids to "Fortress attacks in Medieval", Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said, "Screening camel movies instead of news a day before the election shows that leaders of Turkey don't have even perfunctory respect left for democracy."

CLICK - TRUSTEE APPOINTED TO KOZA HOLDING

HRW: Despise of human rights

HRW in its press release used statements as follows:

"Stopping broadcast by using security forces is a dramatic move that hasn't been seen as of coup d'etat in 1980. Raid footages look like fortress attacks in Medieval. Effort to censor critical media and seize control of a private company without presenting any evidence in Turkey manifests a deep despise of human rights.

CPJ: Leaders have no respect left for democracy

CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova saying "Screening camel movies instead of news a day before the election shows that leaders of Turkey don't have even perfunctory respect left for democracy", called on the government to immediately return administration of Bugün TV, Kanaltürk and other Koza İpek Holding companies.

CLICK - REACTIONS BY JOURNALIST AGAINST TRUSTEE RULING

The statement noted that at least six Koza İpek employees have been detained in September and their hard drives seized, adding that these operations are a continuation of past oppressions. (ÇT/TK)

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