Erdoğan's communications director says 'fifth column' media works against Turkey

Photo: Communications Directorate

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While the "honorable members" of Turkey's press stand with the truth, there are also those who work against "the nation and state," Presidency's Communication Director Fahrettin Altun has said at the "Workshop on Improving the Rights of Press Members" in Ankara, the capital.

The foreign-funded media outlets "produce manipulative information against the development of Turkey, its assertive stance against the unfair world system and the President's support from the nation," he said. "Unfortunately, we observe that this section uses the media power they have as a weapon against the state and the nation."

The notion of "independent, domestic and national media" is strategically important, he said: "We are all aware that we live in a difficult era. Whatever you call it, the truth, reality, or facts, are replaced with manipulative information, forgery, lies or fake news."

"Undoubtedly, defending the truth has to be the main field of struggle not only for politicians or those who run the country but also for the press sector and its employees.

"Because the war we are fighting is not only to protect our own country, but also to ensure that the world regains faith in the truth, and the truth to be valuable again.

"However, we regret that a section of our press, which is funded from abroad and open to influence and instructions, has become operational centers by producing manipulative and provocative information against the development of Turkey, its assertive stance against the unfair world system and the President's support from the nation.

"Unfortunately, we are also observing that this section becomes a propaganda apparatus for terrorist organizations when it is needed to be and they use the media power they have as a weapon against the state and the nation.

"At this point, the notion of an independent, domestic and national media has uttermost strategic importance. We are talking about a matter that is of vital importance not only for our country but also our region, our world.

"I want to call out to these sections of the media: Stop carrying out fifth column operations in this region, in this land and be the fourth power in the real sense. Don't be an enemy to our democracy. Serve our democracy.

"Our Communications Directorate stands with and backs media members, press workers in Turkey. We are obliged to serve every single press member who prioritizes their own country and nation, who doesn't have animosity towards their country and nation and who is not guided from abroad." (HA/VK)