JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 29, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
A Turkish prosecutor on Friday launched an investigation into a prominent TV news presenter less than two weeks after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lambasted the journalist, local media reported.
The prosecutor’s office said it was investigating Turkey’s Fox Haber channel’s Fatih Portakal for “openly inciting others to commit a crime” after the journalist speculated whether Turks could protest like those in the “Yellow Vest” movement in France, Hurriyet and Milliyet dailies said.
“Come on, let’s have a peaceful protest, a protest against … rising natural gas fees. Come on, let’s do it. Would we be able to do it?” the journalist who has over six million followers on Twitter asked. “For the love of God, tell me how many people would come out?” Portakal demanded as he speculated about the impact of Turks’ fears of protesting in a news program on Dec. 10.
During anti-government protests in 2013, Erdogan was criticized for the police’s heavy-handed crackdown against demonstrators.
Portakal’s comments were interpreted by Turkish officials as a call for protests as the country is suffering high inflation. Consumer prices reached over 25 percent in October before falling to 21.62 percent in November.
Portakal had made the comments during a news segment about France’s “yellow vest” movement, which started as a demonstration against fuel price hikes in November but has since snowballed into broader anti-government opposition.
Erdogan has repeatedly criticized the journalist for his comments, saying in mid-December: “He is calling people to get out on the street. Know your place! If you don’t know your place, the people will teach you a lesson.”
Earlier this week, Turkey’s audiovisual authority RTUK fined Fox Haber Turkey for an undisclosed amount and said the channel had to suspend three future broadcasts of the primetime news show.
Fox Haber Turkey gives greater coverage to the opposition parties than other mainstream channels in an increasingly constricted media landscape in Turkey under the rule of Erdogan. Fox Haber, which means Fox News in Turkish, is not linked to the Fox News channel in the United States.
The investigation comes after two famous Turkish actors were accused of insulting Erdogan during a television program on Halk TV last week. An Istanbul court on Monday released the two men on conditional bail after they were summoned to give statements to prosecutors.
Turkey’s allies and human rights defenders have raised concerns over a clampdown on freedom of expression under Erdogan, with dozens of journalists and civil society activists imprisoned. - AFP
September 20, 2024: Explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of covering international sports events. From managing cultural differences to meeting tight deadlines, this feature dives into the realities of being a sports journalist on the world stage.
September 17, 2024: Dawn newspaper has permanently closed its Quetta office, marking a critical blow to journalism in Balochistan. The closure follows the earlier shutdown of DawnNews TV’s regional bureau, raising concerns about press freedom and independent reporting in the region.
September 17, 2024: Explore the contradictions of Pakistan's ban on X (formerly Twitter). While the public resorts to VPNs, government officials continue using the platform to air their views. What does this say about free speech and the rule of law?
September 16, 2024: The Sindh High Court criticizes PTA’s conflicting stance on the ban of X, formerly known as Twitter, and suggests summoning the PTA chairman for contempt of court proceedings. Hearing adjourned until September 24.
September 16, 2024: ARY News has faced severe repercussions for its fearless journalism in Pakistan, including shutdowns, threats, and the tragic murder of Arshad Sharif. Explore the high cost of bold reporting and the challenges faced by ARY's reporters in their quest for truth
September 14, 2024: A recent Gallup survey reveals that over 80% of internet users in Pakistan experienced slowdowns in August 2024, with significant impacts on freelancers and the economy, potentially costing $300 million.
September 14, 2024: Journalist Gharidah Farooqi has challenged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to prove his allegations after he publicly accused her of accepting bribes to push political narratives. Farooqi’s bold response on Twitter adds fuel to the ongoing media versus politicians conflict in Pakistan.
September 14, 2024: Ali Amin Gandapur's attack on journalists escalates as he names Gharidah Farooqi, prompting further outrage from the media. Are journalists being biased, or is this part of a larger political issue?
September 20, 2024 The ICFJ's 2024 Solutions Challenge is now open! Media innovators, tech experts, and problem-solvers are invited to submit ideas for combating global disinformation. Join the challenge today!
September 10, 2024 Hanoi court sentences journalist Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison for airing independent views on YouTube. CPJ calls for his immediate release, denouncing Vietnam's harsh crackdown on press freedom and pro-democracy activists.
September 10, 2024 Learn how to use social media to boost your journalism career. From building your brand to networking with industry leaders, this guide offers tips on leveraging social platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for success.
September 07, 2024 Explore the future of investigative journalism in Europe, examining the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. From digital transformation to press freedom issues, discover how investigative journalism is evolving and what lies ahead for the profession.
September 03, 2024 CNN Indonesia's Head of Human Capital Development sent termination notices to 11 union activists just days after they officially registered their union. This controversial move, seen as union busting, has sparked outrage among labor advocates and media workers.