Police Raid Conducted on Halk TV Building and Trustees Appointed
A police operation was conducted in the early hours of the morning against Halk TV, which broadcasts from an opposition perspective. Trustees were appointed to the channel, broadcasts were cut, and detention warrants were issued for 17 people, including its owner.
Following a police operation conducted in the morning hours against Halk TV, known for its opposition broadcast line, trustees were appointed to the channel and broadcasts were suspended. Within the scope of the investigation, detention warrants were issued for 17 suspects, including the channel's owner Cafer Mahiroğlu.
Police Operation and Interruption of Broadcast
Security forces entering the Halk TV building in the morning hours took extensive security measures, and journalists were not allowed inside. The channel's live broadcast was cut, an old program was broadcast from tape, and it was announced via social media accounts that broadcasts had been suspended.
Social Media Statements from Executives
Channel owner Cafer Mahiroğlu announced via social media that the police were in the building. Program producer Deniz Bayramoğlu stated that trustees were appointed in the early hours and that the Financial Crimes, KOM, and TEM teams continued their searches.
Chief Public Prosecutor's Investigation and Accusations
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that an investigation was being conducted against Cafer Mahiroğlu on charges of bribery, rigging tenders, and laundering assets derived from crime.
MASAK Data and Detention Decisions
Activities connected with municipal tenders were examined in line with MASAK data, witness statements, and evidence. While the investigation file included allegations of 14 million 464 thousand TL in bribes, 11 of the 17 suspects were detained in simultaneous operations.
Seizure of Companies and TMSF Appointment
Some companies determined to be partnered, managed, or associated with Mahiroğlu were seized. The Savings Deposit Insurance Fund was appointed as a trustee to manage these companies.
Political Reactions and Statements
Yeni Party Chairman Özgür Özel reacted harshly to the operation. Özel opposed the situation, stating that using the judiciary and law enforcement forces in this manner was a historical mistake.