After Public Outrage, RTÜK Head Hints at Penalty for Pro-AKP Channel over 'Death List' Remarks

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Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Chair Ebubekir Şahin has said that death threats on TV by a pro-government media figure were unacceptable and "what is necessary" would be done regarding the remarks.

In a previous statement on Friday (May 15), Şahin had said they wouldn't give a penalty to the outlet that would "please coup supporters."

During a TV program on Ülke TV on May 8, Sevda Noyan, a pro-government media figure, said that her family would kill at least 50 people in case of a new coup attempt against the government.

"July 15 [2016 military coup attempt] stuck in our gizzard. We couldn't do what we wanted. We were taken unawares ... Our family would take down 50 people. We are very well equipped both materially and spiritually. We stand by our leader," she said and added that several people residing in the same residential complex with her were "on her list."

Esra Elönü, the presenter of the program, also supported her, saying those people should watch their steps.

RTÜK chair was absent from the meeting

After the broadcast İlhan Taşcı, an RTÜK member from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), submitted a petition to the council, requesting an inquiry about the program.

However, Şahin did not attend the council's meeting on Friday with an excuse for absence. Therefore, the program was not brought to the agenda of the council and was not discussed, according to Taşcı.

RTÜK's tardiness in examining the broadcast caused outrage among social media users and opposition politicians, who pointed out the fines issued by the council to media outlets critical of the government. 

After criticism, Şahin said he was out of the city to attend a predetermined meeting and remarked, "However, if there is a sanction to be given, I think that this sanction should not be a penalty that pleases coup lovers, those who praise the coup and makes them smile. We are not in a position to penalize what was said against those who praised coups. This is not an issue to be exaggerated."

"Illegal calls and incitement to violence"

Backtracking from these remarks, he said in a statement today that Noyan's expressions, which he said "deeply hurt the public conscience," could never be accepted in terms of RTÜK's principles.

"Of course, if there are people who think about what happened on July 15 again, both our state and our nation will give their answers in the most powerful way under legitimate conditions. Nobody should have any hesitation.

"The discourses of Sevda Noyan are never acceptable in terms of RTÜK principles. Illegal calls and incitement to violence are among our red lines that we will not compromise."

He said that what is necessary would be done after the relevant expert report was submitted to the council. (HA/VK)