Turkey: Authorities Impose Blackout on Sozcu Channel Over Coverage of Protests

Developments have escalated in Turkey following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, as the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council has imposed heavy penalties on channels that covered not only the former mayor of Istanbul’s detention but also the massive protests supporting him. Specifically, the Sozcu channel announced today (27.03.2025) that it was sentenced by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council to a 10-day suspension of operations. The authorities are imposing a blackout and threatening license revocation due to the Imamoglu case. Officials from the Sozcu channel stated that this is the heaviest penalty ever issued by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council in its history, with the 10-day suspension being the harshest punishment before the final revocation of the channel’s operating license. The reason cited is excessive criticism regarding the arrest and detention of Ekrem Imamoglu. A member of the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council stated that Sozcu was condemned for allegedly inciting public hatred and hostility through live comments broadcast during protests in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. During the 10 days Sozcu will be offline, viewers will see a message about the authorities’ decision. Additionally, the Turkish channel faces administrative penalties for ‘offensive statements’ made by a high-ranking member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) against Devlet Bahceli, leader of the nationalist far-right and governing partner of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.