A 012299 17.11.2015 From: TUSKON EU Representation
Dear President Schulz,
I have been sending you updates on the situation of the media in Turkey concerning the last two years, not only referring to the pressure on journalists and media institutions but also within the framework of infringement of different laws and even the Turkish Constitution to silence the critics against the government.
During the past weekend, simultaneously with the G-20 Summit in Antalya, the Erdogan regime has successfully concluded its final chapter in her media strategy by silencing another 14 TV and radio stations, with the tragic consequence of 500 media workers and journalists losing their jobs. After this recent move, it is not possible to watch any TV channel that is considered critical to the government for general public in Turkey.
However, this is only what is seen on the surface. Today the quality of life of anyone, working for civil society or from the business community opposing the regimes policies, is drastically worsening every single day. Many business people are seeking refuge in other markets, moving their businesses and their families from their home country. I fear that this pressure on opponents of the regime in Turkey, will result in the next flow of people seeking refuge and a peaceful life in Europe.
I have attached a short summary of the recent developments regarding the shut-down of the TV and radio stations. I kindly ask you to raise the issue at the EP Resolution on Turkey, by your comments to media, at twitter and other social networks and also by questions to the commission.
Kind regards,
Serdar Yesilyurt Executive Director TUSKON EU Representation
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com Shutting down critical TV and radio station
Background:
Hours before the leaders of the world's major economies gathered for the G-20 Leaders Summit in Antalya on Sunday, Turkey saw the screens of 12 TV channels go black, as well as the silencing of several radio channels that operate under the Samanyolu Broadcasting Group. This decision to take these TV and radio channels out of the air, is the latest in a string of government-backed measures to crack down on critical media in the country and drew widespread anger and condemnation as an explicit act of censorship and another blow to the deteriorating freedom of the press in Turkey.
More precisely: The transmission of the TV channels and several radio stations operating under Samanyolu Broadcasting Group were removed from the state-owned Turkish Satellite Communications Company (Türksat) infrastructure in a government-backed decision as of 12 a.m. Saturday. The transmission of the TV stations, which are known for their critical stance toward the governing party and President Erdogan, were halted by Türksat because of a “legal obligation” to an order from a prosecutor's office, based on the suspicion that the channels alleged support a terrorist organization. According to the Turkish law, the prosecutor does not have the authority to demand such a ban. Türksat took these media outlets out of the air despite having signed an agreement with Samanyolu Broadcasting Group that necessitated service being provided until 2024.
The TV and radio stations removed are: Samanyolu TV Europe, Mehtap TV, Samanyolu Haber, Yumurcak TV, MC TV, Dünya TV, Tuna Shopping TV, Irmak TV, Samanyolu TV Turkey, MC EU, Ebru TV, Samanyolu Africa, Samanyolu Haber Radio, Burç FM, Radyo Mehtap, Dünya Radyo, Radyo Berfin, Radyo Cihan.
Moreover, the Ankara 6th Administrative Court ruled on Friday (13th of November) to have Türksat submit “documents, information and legal evidence” it has to justify their decision to ban, to the court. The court also urged Türksat to submit its defense within the required legal period. In that respect, Türksat cannot legally implement its decision to stop the broadcast of the channels until it submits its defense to the court. In addition, Türksat is obliged to explain the legal grounds of its decision to the court however so far Türksat has not dared to do so.