Call from Istanbul Bar Association to 'Halk TV': 'Do not be a partner in this path of destruction of the rule of law!'

A written statement came from the Istanbul Bar Association against the police operation carried out on Halk TV this morning and the decision to appoint a trustee to the channel.

The statement said, "Istanbul Bar Association is closely monitoring this illegal operation against Halk TV. We call on the relevant authorities to refrain from giving orders that are unlawful and constitute a crime; in accordance with Article 137 of the Constitution, we call on public officials not to fulfill these orders by acting in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities."

"The intervention against Halk TV is a violation of constitutional guarantees!" The full statement is as follows:

"DON'T BE AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROPERTY EXPRESS"

"The dawn operation carried out against Halk TV on the morning of October 14, 2026, the blockade of its building, the suspension of the broadcast of the channel and the appointment of a trustee are clearly contrary to the rule of law.

The dawn operation, carried out in disregard of the guarantees regarding rights and freedoms provided by Article 13 of the Constitution, has been the main tool of violating the rule of law.

With this intervention, the freedom to express and disseminate thought guaranteed in Article 26 of the Constitution, freedom of the press regulated in Article 28, freedom of work and contract in Article 48, right to work in Article 49 and property rights in Article 35 are violated.

Suspending the activities of a media organization and seizing its management affects not only the rights of the relevant organization, but also the society's freedom of information and the democratic environment of public debate. Freedom of the press includes not only the publication of news but also the ability of press organizations to operate without being under any pressure.

Independent administrative authorities should not be partners in this path to the destruction of the rule of law. SDIF is an institution that has supervisory responsibilities in protecting the property rights guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be a tool for property usurpation.

"IT IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RULE OF LAW"

RTÜK, a constitutional institution, has been disabled and the guarantee of press freedom has been rendered dysfunctional.

In terms of timing, these developments that took place on the day Ekrem İmamoğlu was expected to defend are also important in terms of their timing and results. The police blockade of the press on a day when the voice of the defense is expected to be heard is incompatible with the principles of the democratic state of law.

No person or organ can exercise state authority that does not derive its source from the Constitution.

Istanbul Bar Association, which is responsible for defending the rule of law and protecting human rights, is closely monitoring this illegal operation against Halk TV. Requests the relevant authorities to refrain from giving orders that are unlawful and constitute a crime; In accordance with Article 137 of the Constitution, we call on public officials not to comply with these orders and act in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities.

Unlawful interventions against Halk TV should be stopped immediately, broadcasting should be restarted and SDIF's seizure decision should be withdrawn.

Law everywhere, anytime, for everyone.