Media watchdog fines opposition channels for airing discussion on mafia boss Peker’s claims

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Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has fined opposition broadcasters Halk TV, Tele 1 and KRT on the grounds that they aired discussions on mafia boss Sedat Peker’s allegations and caused former Finance Minister Berat Albayrak’s older brother Serhat Albayrak and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmaker Zehra Taşkesenlioğlu “to be insulted.”

The announcement was made by RTÜK member İlhan Taşçı from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Taşçı said that the opposition TV channels were given a monetary fine for 3 percent of their advertisement revenue.

“When those against whom allegations are made have always the option of being cleared of blame and when it is the judiciary that should investigate the claims, it is pretty meaningful for the RTÜK to take an action! The number of police officers protecting Zehra Taşkesenlioğlu had been already increased; and on top of that, now the protection of RTÜK has come!” he tweeted.  

Last month, Peker, who fled Turkey in early 2020, unveiled a new series of corruption allegations against senior members of the ruling AKP. Among them was also Taşkesenlioğlu.

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