(IPI/IFEX) – IPI condemns the banning of a Turkish television channel, Kanal 6, because of its coverage of last week’s devastating earthquake. IPI is informed that the privately-owned national television channel was shut down for one week because of its critical coverage of the government’s handling of the rescue and cleanup operation and of companies […]
(IPI/IFEX) – IPI condemns the banning of a Turkish television channel, Kanal
6, because of its coverage of last week’s devastating earthquake.
IPI is informed that the privately-owned national television channel was
shut down for one week because of its critical coverage of the government’s
handling of the rescue and cleanup operation and of companies it blamed for
poorly constructed buildings that collapsed in the quake. Turkey’s
broadcasting watchdog, the High Board of Radio and Television (RTÜK), barred
the station from going on air for a week from 30 August 1999, on charges of
“encouraging violence, terror and ethnic discrimination and allowing
broadcasting that could create feelings of hatred among the people.” IPI
understands that Kanal 6 will go to court to fight the order, but that the
station does not expect to stop the ban.
The Turkish government and military, stung by media criticism of its
handling of the aftermath of the quake – which may have killed more than
40,000 people – have blamed the media for “going too far” and “having a
negative effect on morale.” On Wednesday 25 August, Health Minister Osman
Durmus, the main target for criticism, urged the RTÜK to take action against
six national television channels he accused of “directing grave insults
towards him.” Durmus is alleged to have spurned offers for help from Armenia
and Greece.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
of
everyone’s right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through
any media and regardless of frontiers”, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while sympathising with the daunting
task facing the Turkish government
lifted and that the media in Turkey is allowed to report freely on events
surrounding the earthquake
Appeals To
His Excellency Bülent Ecevit
Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey
Prime Minister’s Office
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 417 0476
E-mail: ddlbsl@tccb.gov.tr
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
