NTV Accused of Airing Call For a Military Coup

MAZLUMDER, an association for human rights files a complaint on grounds that three people called for a military coup in a programme on local elections.

Ankara - BİA News Center
20 March 2009, Friday

The Association for Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People (MAZLUMDER) files a complaint against NTV for allegedly broadcasting "a call to military coup" by three persons interviewed for the upcoming local elections.

MAZLUMDER Ankara branch vice-chair Celal Kara, urges Ankara public prosecutor's office as well as the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to act against Doğuş Holding Executive Committee chair Ferit Şahenk, holding's media group chair Erman Yerdelen, NTV channel executives and the programmers of the Election Bus programme.

Kara claims that Articles 309, 311, 312 and 319 of the Penal Code are violated.       

In the programme, people who get on a public bus in Istanbul are interviewed regarding their views on the elections. On March 18th, Kara says three people "called for a military coup, encouraging the army to act against the law and take down the government." He emphasizes that the programme wasn't aired live and failing to disregard those remarks, NTV collaborated in this act.

One of the interviewed says, "I'm for a military coup. The army must intimidate the government. Military is the only one to protect this country." Another adds, "A coup is required. The best is the military to come to power, even if it means we go back…"(EÖ/AGÜ)

Independent Communication NetworkIndependent Communication Network comprises more than internet news website bianet.org. It is a continuously unfolding network since 1997 and embraces "Training Drives" for journalists and communication students and NGOs; handbook series, "Radio Programs" for the local media, conferences, forums, international exchange programs.

IPS Communication Foundation (BİA)IPS Communication Foundation is the implementing body for the BIA &bianet.org. Founded in 1993 by four journalists and one human rights activists, has implemented many projects including a BİA, BİA2 and BİA3.

BİA LibraryBİA Library comprises of handbooks series and guides and researches which systemize the theoretical and informative contributions realized during the implementation of programs within the BİA projects. Some of the 15 publications are in English and accessible via bianet.org.

Contact usYou can reach IPS Communication Foundation directors, BİA project coordination, bianet.org editorial board via telephone, fax, e-mail and mail from everywhere on the globe, dispatch information and/or documents and request meetings.