Broadcast records of 6 Turkish TV channels submitted to prosecutor’s office over Gezi Park protests

In the investigation into the Gezi Park protests, the role of the media is being scrutinized. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested television broadcasts from Türkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) in relation to the claim that certain media outlets legitimized the Gezi Park protests in 2013. As a response, RTUK has sent the broadcast archives of six television channels to the prosecutor’s office.

The investigation into the Gezi Park protests is intensifying. Recently, the prosecutor’s office requested broadcast records from RTUK, citing the claim that certain television channels had made broadcasts to “legitimize the Gezi Park protests.” In line with this, RTÜK submitted the archives of Cem TV, Flash TV, Halk TV, Kanal D, Fox TV, and Samanyolu Haber to the prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor’s office asserts that these broadcasts contributed to the spread of the protests in 2013 and actively promoted them.

Gezi park investigation: ‘Media’s role’

The review of television broadcasts signals that the role of the media in the Gezi Park investigation is now under formal investigation.

This action came shortly after the arrest of entertainment sector manager and tycoon Ayse Barim. Barim is accused of assisting in attempts to obstruct government duties.

Following her arrest, the prosecutor’s office has turned its focus to the media. In a letter sent to RTUK, the prosecutor’s office requested an examination of broadcasts from May 27, 2013, onward. The goal is to identify media outlets that contributed to the spread of the protests.

Timeline of legal action taken by Turkish government

• March 2014: First indictment related to Gezi Park protests; 26 individuals charged with “forming and leading an organization.”
• 2017, October 18: Businessman Osman Kavala arrested on charges of “financing the Gezi protests.”
• 2018, November 18: Operation on Anadolu Kultur; administrators and academics detained, including Yigit Aksakoglu.
• March 4, 2019: Second indictment related to Gezi protests; Kavala, Mucella Yapici, and Can Atalay among the 16 individuals facing trial.
• December 10, 2019: European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) calls for Osman Kavala’s immediate release, citing multiple human rights violations.
• February 18, 2020: Acquittal of defendants in Gezi Park case; Kavala remains in detention and is rearrested.
• January 21, 2021: Court of Appeals overturns the acquittal decision.
• April 25, 2022: Kavala sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment; other defendants sentenced to 18 years in prison.
• September 28, 2023: Court of Cassation upholds Kavala’s sentence and 18-year sentences for some defendants; Ekmekci, Yapici, and Altinay released.