National mourning declared, broadcast ban imposed after Turkish ski resort fire

A national day of mourning has been declared in Turkey for at least 76 people who lost their lives in a ski resort fire. Meanwhile, the media watchdog RTÜK has imposed a broadcast ban on all reports, including expert opinions, related to the fire.

Wednesday January 22 2025 01:54 am

Duvar English

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a national day of mourning on Jan. 23 for the dozens of citizens who lost their lives in the ski resort fire in Bolu province.

Erdoğan stated after the cabinet meeting, "Those responsible for such a tragedy, including those negligent or at fault, will be held accountable before the law."

He then continued his speech with his usual rhetoric against “ungendering” politics, emphasizing the need to protect traditional family values and birthing more children, as he declared 2025 as the "Year of the Family."

Broadcast ban imposed on fire disaster

The broadcast ban imposed by a Turkish court regarding the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, which claimed the lives of at least 76 people, has been extended by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).

Firstly, the court issued a decision banning all types of news, interviews, criticisms, and similar publications related to the hotel fire on written, visual, and social media platforms and the internet.

RTÜK also sent an additional press statement to the WhatsApp group of journalists regarding these restrictions.

In its message, RTÜK outlined several rules. It stated, "No commentary (expert opinions or any kind of interpretation), interviews (with victims' families or other citizens near the hotel), or information shall be made, other than what is provided by official sources.”

The media watchdog also banned broadcasting the “images of the fire’s moment and the interior of the hotel.”