nuOct 14, 2026, 09:33

Raid and arrests at Turkish opposition news channel

Turkish authorities raided the opposition news channel Halk TV following allegations of fraud and money laundering against its chairman, Cafer Mahiroglu. The station's broadcasts have been suspended and a government-appointed administrator has taken control, sparking outrage among journalists and opposition political leaders.

Turkish authorities have raided the headquarters of Halk TV, a prominent opposition news channel, resulting in multiple arrests. The investigation centers on the network's chairman, Cafer Mahiroglu, who is currently residing abroad. Prosecutors have accused him of bribery, money laundering, and procurement fraud. As a result of the raid, the channel's live broadcasts and YouTube stream have been suspended, and an administrator has been appointed to oversee its operations. Staff members have reported being denied access to their workspace, signaling a significant disruption to the station's ability to function.

The government's actions have drawn sharp criticism from the Turkish Journalists Union and opposition leader Özgür Özel, who characterized the intervention as an act of cowardice. Halk TV, known for its critical stance toward President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had previously faced threats of closure. This incident marks the fifth time the government has installed an administrator at a major Turkish news network, continuing a pattern of state intervention into media organizations that challenge official narratives.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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