RTÜK fines Halk TV over folk song deemed 'terror propaganda'

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed two separate penalties on Halk TV, a pro-opposition broadcaster.

During an event organized in support of musicians that was broadcast live on Halk TV, musician Hilmi Yarayıcı sang the folk song "Cemo," which included "terrorist propaganda," according to RTÜK.

The council imposed three administrative penalties and three broadcast suspension penalties on Halk TV.

Citing a 2016 report on the state-run Anadolu Agency about the song in question, the RTÜK said it "praised and encouraged terrorism."

Several musicians took the stage during the event that was organized for musicians who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

RTÜK also fined the channel over the remarks of pundit Levent Gültekin, who, according to the council, "exceeded the limits of criticism" and violated the principle of having respect for human dignity and privacy.

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(HA/VK)