Main opposition sues state-run network TRT for refusing to air Kılıçdaroğlu’s election campaign video

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Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has filed a criminal complaint against the state-run network TRT for not broadcasting Nation Alliance presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s election campaign video “I promise you, the spring will come again.”

“We need to indicate that we find this unlawful behavior of TRT, which should be unbiased, ironic. Besides, this behavior causes the institution to suffer a financial loss,” the petition said.

“We demand the end of this unlawful behavior against the CHP and its chairman who are in the position of saver and founder of the Turkish Republic State, and demand the immediate broadcasting of the commercial ad named ‘I promise you, the spring will come again’ on TRT 1, TRT Haber and TRT Spor,” the petition read.

CHP MP Tuncay Özkan said that TRT was not fulfilling its duties and demanded that a public lawsuit be launched against the institution. He recalled that Kılıçdaroğlu’s speeches or rallies were also not aired on TRT and that he was never invited for an interview.

Turkey’s presidential election will be held on May 14. Aside from Kılıçdaroğlu, ruling People’s Alliance’s candidate President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, far-right ATA Alliance’s candidate Sinan Oğan along with former CHP member and Homeland Party leader Muharrem İnce will be running for the office.