Turkey's media watchdog probes Halk TV over Arslan's remarks over Falyalı's killing

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After she spoke about the killing of Halil Falyalı in Cyprus on her program "Medya Mahallesi" (Media Neighborhood) at pro-opposition Halk TV, journalist Ayşenur Arslan has been targeted on social media over her remarks about the killing of the 'betting and casino tycoon'.

Referring to the "Turkish Resistance Organization" (TMT), Arslan said, "Halil Falyalı used to introduce himself as a member of the Turkish Resistance Organization. The TMT was a... let's say, illegal and semi-legal entity known for assassinations on the Island and its close hinterland."

She has been targeted on social media over these remarks.

After politicians and officials such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Ömer Çelik criticized Arslan, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), the media watchdog of Turkey, has launched an inquiry against the Halk TV. It has been announced by RTÜK Chair Ebubekir Şahin.

In a message on his social media account, Şahin has stated that "an inquiry has been launched into the remarks of Ayşenur Arslan about the Turkish Resistance Organization, which waged struggles for the honor and independence of the Turkish Cypriots."

'Apparently I am the most serious problem'

On her program today (February 10), Arslan talked about the targeting remarks on social media. Arslan briefly said:

I uttered a sentence in the light of Falyalı murder yesterday. Not the economy, bills or unemployment... There is apparently not a more important or serious problem than me. If the Vice President, AK Party Spokesperson, Foreign Minister, the youth organization of that party, the MP of this party talk about you in a rage and if RTÜK takes action immediately, you come to find yourself important. That I know: If I took myself as seriously as others take me seriously, I would be another me.

Highest number of fines to Halk TV

In 2021, RTÜK imposed 71 administrative fines on critical channels, ordering them to pay 21,500,000 Turkish Lira in total. The fines were imposed only on Halk TV, Tele 1, Fox TV, KRT and HaberTürk, especially the first four of which are known for their critical reporting.

As for the pro-government channels, RTÜK did not fine them despite 100 thousand complaints. In a statement about the issue, RTÜK member İlhan Taşçı said, "RTÜK gave zero fines to the channels that broadcast in favor of the government and praised the government." (HA/SD)