Halk TV Reaction from TÜKODER: Freedom of the press is the fundamental right of 86 million citizens

Consumer Protection Association (TÜKODER) issued a written press release reacting to the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV and the suspension of television broadcasts. In the statement, it was emphasized that the process is an "extremely serious development" that directly concerns not only a press organization but also the freedom of information and democratic rights of the society.

"A trustee cannot be appointed to the public's right to receive information!" In the text announced to the public under the title, the provision "The press is free and cannot be censored" in Article 28 of the Constitution was reminded. The association stated that "Press freedom is a fundamental right not only of journalists but also of 86 million citizens" and underlined that investigations carried out against individuals or companies cannot be used as a reason for usurping the right to receive news of millions of citizens.

“SOCIETY'S FREEDOM TO SEEK RIGHTS IS WEAK.”

Pointing out that the "right to information" comes first among the universal consumer rights they have been defending for years, TÜKODER stated that screen blackouts prevent the society from reaching different opinions, learning the facts and the right to democratic control. The statement also said, "A society's freedom to seek justice is weakened when its right to receive news is denied. The democratic sensitivity to be shown against the suspension of Halk TV's broadcasts is to protect not only a television channel, but also the common rights and freedoms of the society."

Stating that democracy is not just about the ballot box, the association also listed its demands on the subject. While it was requested that the legal basis of the decisions against Halk TV be disclosed to the public and independent judicial review be ensured, it was emphasized that such practices that limit the freedom of the press should be stopped and broadcasts should be restarted. In addition, it was requested that the working rights of journalists and press workers be guaranteed.

Reminding that freedom of the press is not a privilege offered to society by governments, but a constitutional right, the statement said, "There is no free society without a free press, and there is no real democracy without a free society!" It ended with the message.