Tgc Slams Request For Removal Of İndependent Broadcaster

The Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC) slammed the alleged request of Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to remove independent broadcaster IMC TV from the TÜRKSAT satellite.

TGC Head Turgay Olcayto criticized the decision of the prosecutor's office, urging that the people's right to receive information was violated. Olcayto also vowed that press rights bodies will be responsive to the move and inform officials about the decision.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu condemned the alleged decision, stressing it was "unacceptable to approve proseuction offices' use as instrument for these sort of unlawful oppressions".

"Democracies are synonymous with freedom of press. We cannot speak of democracy in a place where freedom of expression and media do not exist" he urged.

According to a report on IMC TV's website, the prosecutor's office accused the tv channel of "terror propoganda" after a tip-off to the police crime line, and demanded the removal of its frequency from TÜRKSAT.

Samanyolu Haber TV, Mehtap TV, Yumurcak TV and Dünya TV, all owned by the "Gülen-linked" Samanyolu Media Group were also removed from the top satellite network, TÜRKSAT, after a prosecution demand.

(Photo) - Istanbul