Stay of execution decision for 5-day broadcasting suspension penalty imposed on TELE 1 overturned; CHP calls for release of Furkan Karabay; journalist assaulted at funeral in Kocaeli

Stay of execution decision for 5-day broadcasting suspension penalty imposed on TELE 1 overturned

The court's stay of execution decision regarding RTÜK's 5-day broadcasting suspension penalty against TELE 1 has been overturned.

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) imposed a 5-day broadcast suspension and a 5 percent administrative fine on TELE 1 for the “ Soru 4 Yanıt” program, in which Merdan Yanardağ stated, “15 July was an Islamist coup attempt. The main culprit behind this coup is the AKP government.“ RTÜK had imposed penalties on the grounds of ”inciting hatred and hostility in society." The execution of the penalty, imposed on 24 July, was suspended by the Ankara 23rd Administrative Court on 5 August. However, RTÜK appealed this decision.  

The court, ruling on RTÜK's appeal, lifted the stay of execution order.

TELE 1 appealed this decision to a higher court. If the court does not rule in favor of the channel, TELE 1 will be blacked out for five days starting on the night of 31 August.

CHP calls for release of Furkan Karabay

CHP Deputy Chair Gökçe Gökçen has made a statement about journalist Furkan Karabay being held in prison without an indictment.

Calling for immediate release of Karabay, Gökçen said the following: "In an environment where Furkan Karabay and all journalists are not free, there can be no talk of social peace or resolution. Peace is only possible in an environment where everyone can freely express their thoughts, journalists can freely report the news, and the public can hold their leaders accountable. Furkan Karabay and all journalists must be released immediately.”

Furkan Karabay was arrested on the morning of May 15 as part of an investigation launched by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of “insulting the president” and “marking those who were assigned with the fight against terrorism as target.” After being processed by the police, Karabay was referred to the İstanbul 1st Criminal Court of Peace with a request for pre-trial detention and was subsequently sent to prison.

Karabay's social media posts and comments made on a YouTube channel were cited as grounds for his detention.

Journalist assaulted at funeral in Kocaeli

Journalist Enes T. Was reportedly assaulted by a former İYİ Party executive at the funeral of former MP Cemalettin Kaflı in the Gebze district of Kocaeli. The journalist was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Enes T. filed a complaint, stating that the person next to the funeral vehicle had verbally abused him and repeatedly hit him on the head with a hard object.

Enes T. described the incident as follows: "I have been working as a journalist in Kocaeli for many years. Today, I was attacked. I had attended the funeral of former MP Cemalettin Kaflı at the Gebze Çoban Mustafa Paşa Külliye Mosque. At that moment, İYİ Party MP Lütfü Türkkan entered the building with several people. I know that one of them was from the administration, his name is Tekin Y. When he saw me, he called me to the outer door for no reason. There, next to the funeral vehicle, he began to verbally abuse me and assault me. I was injured and am currently in the hospital. I also want to warn Lütfü Türkkan. How could someone accompanying him act this way toward me? I am filing a complaint. He struck my head repeatedly with a hard object."

At least 32 journalists and media workers behind bars in Turkey

As of 29 August 2025, there are at least 32 journalists and media workers in prison in Turkey, either in pre-trial detention or serving a finalized sentence.

The full list can be accessed here.