Attack on Halk TV live broadcast in fire-hit Marmaris

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A group attacked the live broadcast of Halk TV at midnight today (August 6). Held in the İçmeler area of fire-hit Marmaris, the guests of the program were discussing the raging forest fires in an outdoor program.

During the "Gökmen Karadağ ile Açıkça" (Openly with Gökmen Karadağ) live program, a group of people attacked the broadcast which was still continuing with the participation of journalists İsmail Saymaz and Murat Ağırel, Marmaris Mayor Mehmet Oktay and lawyer Salim Şen.

While the attack happened at around 12.30 am, T24 has reported that the group attacked the program by shouting, "We will prevent it when you say false things. If you say one more false thing, we will intervene." Halk TV Program Coordinator Candan Yıldız tried to hinder the group.

Candan Yıldız: Neden geldikleri çok belliydi! Karşılıklı bir müzakerenin yürütülemeyeceği kadar nettiler!

— Halk TV (@halktvcomtr) August 5, 2021

Then Gökmen Karadağ, the presenter of the live program, paused the broadcast and he, together with İsmail Saymaz and Murat Ağırel, tried to prevent the attack. Speaking to T24, Yıldız has said that the assaulters left the scene of the incident in a vehicle with a license plate (48 EJ 497) registered in the province of Muğla, where Marmaris district is located.

Gökmen Karadağ has commented, "I have been a live program presenter for many years, I have never seen a raid like that. We did a broadcasting, we didn't do anything. We didn't come out of nowhere, either."

"Yalan söylüyorsunuz.." diyenleri alevler içinde kıvranan Gürceğiz'e, 6 gündür cayır cayır yanan Milas'a davet ediyorum. Gel de yalan gör... https://t.co/pYqy8g6VZX

— Av. Muhammet Tokat (@MuhammetTokat48) August 5, 2021

Halk TV Program Coordinator Yıldız has said that Sertan Y., one of the assaulters, is working at the Marmaris District Organization of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Underlining that the incident shows the state of press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey, Yıldız has said that they are nervous, but not surprised, considering the current situation in Turkey.

5 people detained

Speaking during the broadcast, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Vice Chair Ali Öztunç has said that he first talked to the Sub-Governor and that Sertan Y., who is allegedly affiliated with the AKP, has been taken into custody after his license plate was identified.

Talking to the Sub-Governor one more time, Öztunç has said that five people were taken into custody over the attack. Later in the day, four suspects have been released from detention after giving their statements.

Salim Şen (@Saliimsen): Yaşam hakkına, vücut bütünlüğüne saldırıdır!
Basın özgürlüğüne indirilmiş bir darbedir bu!

— Halk TV (@halktvcomtr) August 5, 2021

Several journalists and opposition politicians have denounced the attack targeting the live broadcast of the pro-opposition Halk TV.

(EMK/SD)