Turkish police raid the Istanbul headquarters of Halk TV, a widely watched pro-opposition broadcaster, interrupting its live broadcasts and detaining staff. Several outlets report that police take control of the premises and appoint a government trustee or administrator to run the channel, while the channel says its employees are prevented from entering the building.
The Istanbul prosecutor’s office and Turkish media describe the operation as part of an investigation involving corruption-related offences, including bribery, bid-rigging and money laundering. Reports say arrest warrants are issued and that 11 employees are taken into custody during simultaneous operations. One outlet links the timing to a separate, major corruption trial involving jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and hundreds of defendants, noting the raid occurs shortly before the defence’s arguments.
Press freedom groups and some international coverage frame the move as part of broader pressure on media. While the government action is presented in official terms as an investigation, the broadcaster and international observers describe it as a serious blow to media freedom in Turkey.
