RTUK Defends Infant Rights

Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Board (RTUK) has decided to caution four television channels and ask for a written defense from three others in relation to their coverage of a recent incident in which a 17-month-old baby was rescued from alleged sexual harassment.

The infant was treated for 18 days after being taken under state custody and has now been moved to a nursing home as her mother and three men were sent to prison.

Investigation into her alleged abuse still continues with the mass media speculating on possible scenarios ranging into the possibility that her body had been exploited for child pornography.

RTUK took its decision based on the way the said seven television channels reported the news and resolved to act against the stations under an article of law that rules that "all elements of program services have to respect the human honor and basic human rights."

Accordingly Kanal 7, Star, Kanal 1 and HaberTurk are to be cautioned immediately while Show TV, ATV and Kanal D will have to submit their defenses before further action is taken.

RTUK also sent a letter to all television channels that reported on the incident without exploiting the child. (KO/TK/II/EU)