The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 20 other press freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights organizations as signatories of a joint statement urging the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Turkey’s media regulator, to end its punishments of broadcasters for critical reporting.
The statement said RTÜK recently fined broadcasters FOX TV Turkey, Halk TV, and TELE1 for recent critical coverage and commentary, following penalties already imposed on the broadcasters and others. The statement also noted that RTÜK’s pro-government approach to monitoring the media has been an ongoing problem.
In addition, the statement condemned the recent decision of Turkey’s Industry and Technology Ministry for not renewing the operating license of Deutsche Welle, depriving the German public broadcaster’s Turkish staff of contracts and benefits.
The full statement can be read here.