Turkish police raid TV Halk headquarters in Istanbul and stop broadcasting

Turkish police carried out a raid on the headquarters of the opposition-leaning TV channel TV Halk in Istanbul and halted its broadcast, the station said. Channel staff were reportedly prevented from entering the building after officers arrived, and a new manager was appointed to run the channel.

Raid linked to financial-crime probe, 11 people detained

Turkish media reports say investigators are searching the TV Halk premises on suspicion of financial crime. Eleven people were detained in the operation, which authorities say is connected to the channel's owner.

TV Halk is widely regarded as close to the Republican People's Party (CHP) and frequently airs criticism of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The interruption of broadcasts and the appointment of a new manager are likely to raise fresh concerns about press freedom in Turkey.

The channel's staff told newsroom sources they could not access the Istanbul building after police moved in. Details about the identities of those detained and the specific allegations against the owner were not immediately disclosed.

Domestic and international observers routinely monitor moves against media outlets in Turkey, where authorities have in recent years taken action against broadcasters and journalists accused of financial or criminal wrongdoing. TV Halk's suspension adds to a series of high-profile clashes between pro-opposition media and the government.

Photo: press material from the event