Turkish authorities appoint trustee to Halk TV after police raid

Turkish police searched opposition broadcaster Halk TV's offices on October 14. The channel reported that live broadcasts were suspended and it was placed under external management.

Board chairman Cafer Mahiroglu confirmed the raid on X. Financial-crime, organised-crime and counterterrorism units took part in the operation.

Istanbul prosecutors linked the operation to an investigation into Mahiroglu involving suspected bribery, tender manipulation and laundering of criminal proceeds. The suspicions do not constitute a court finding of guilt.

Prosecutors said detention orders covered seventeen suspects. Eleven were detained in the morning operation. Turkey's Savings Deposit Insurance Fund was appointed trustee, Euronews reported.

Halk TV began broadcasting in 2005 and takes a critical position towards Turkey's government. The change of management and suspension of live broadcasts do not establish that the channel has been permanently closed.