RTÜK to penalize TV channels for broadcasting CHP leader's 'escape plan' video about Erdoğan

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) is poised to fine KRT, TELE1 and Halk TV, İlhan Taşcı, a member of the council, has announced.

The file prepared by the council concerns the broadcast of a Twitter video by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu where he claimed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was preparing to flee the country after losing the elections.

The council will discuss the case on Monday, said Taşcı.

"RTÜK considered it a crime to broadcast the statements of the leader of the main opposition party, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu! The reason is that it is 'unverified'," Taşcı wrote on Twitter. "A monetary fine is sought for TV channels because of this 'no comment' broadcast, which would be newsworthy anywhere in the world."

In Tuesday's video, Kılıçdaroğlu claimed two foundations close to the government had donated over 1 billion lira (~60 million US dollars) to another foundation they jointly founded in the US.

Disguised under educational activities, the money transfers were actually for the Erdoğan family, who plans to flee the country after an "inevitable" defeat in the next year's elections, according to Kılıçdaroğlu.

Government officials and the relevant foundations denied the allegations and said the donations were legal.

The RTÜK has long been criticized by journalism groups for taking punitive measures against independent media outlets. (RT/VK)