Main opposition deputy slams gov’t over seizure of İpek media

Turkish live broadcasts showed clashes between security forces and supporters of the Ipek group, which controls the dailies Bugun and Millet and television channels Bugun TV and Kanalturk, strongly critical of Erdogan.

Turkish riot police firing tear gas and water cannon on Wednesday stormed into the Istanbul headquarters of a media group critical of the government, just days before a weekend election. The authorities on Tuesday took over 22 companies owned by Koza Ipek in an investigation of alleged financial irregularities, including whether it funded Gulen.

The action triggered widespread concern about media freedom in Turkey, with critics accusing the government of trying to silence opponents of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) before Sunday’s legislative vote.

As Mahmut Tanal, an MP with the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) failed to negotiate with police, officers broke into the building using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Bugun TV editor Tarik Toros was seen arguing with the trustee manager who entered the station’s control room and apparently put an end to the live broadcast. He has led Turkey – first as prime minister, then president – since 2003.

Ankara chief prosecutor’s office said in a statement the seizure was linked to an ongoing investigation into the conglomerate on suspicion of “terror financing”, “terror propaganda” and other offences related to Koza-Ipek’s support for Gulen’s Hizmet (Service) movement.

The ruling prompted protests and the US Embassy in Ankara also chimed in, tweeting that “When there is a reduction in the range of viewpoints available to citizens, especially before an election, it is a matter of concern”.

Pavey expressed she is sorry to hear what happened to the worker of İpek media.

Mahir Zeynalov, Washington bureau chief for Gulen-linked Today’s Zaman newspaper, said that his chief editor Bulent Kenes had been beaten by police.

There have also been a string of cases against journalists, artists and even schoolboys accused of “insulting” the head of state.

The company, which has interests in media, energy, construction and mining, is accused of providing funding for the “Gulenist Terror Organization” headed by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, who is said to have infiltrated Turkey’s state apparatus with thousands of followers in an effort to overthrow the government.

The cleric, who left for the United States in 1999 to escape charges of anti-secular activities by the government of the day, denies the latest allegations.