In Turkey, a legal investigation has been initiated against journalist and writer Barış Pehlivan for charges of “Recording and Monitoring Conversations Between Individuals” and “Attempting to Influence an Expert Witness.” Pehlivan was reportedly detained while at Halk TV. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that Halk TV News Director Serhan Asker and Halk TV presenter Seda Selek were also detained under the same investigation.
The development was announced on social media by Barış Terkoğlu and İsmail Saymaz. Terkoğlu wrote, “My dear friend, brother, and comrade Barış Pehlivan was just detained by police who came to the Halk TV building. Barış Pehlivan has previously paid the price for practicing journalism, defending the rule of law, and standing up for the Republic. He always stood tall. He will again.” İsmail Saymaz also shared, “Our journalist colleague Barış Pehlivan was detained by police at Halk TV as he arrived to go on air.”
It was learned that Halk TV News Director Serhan Asker was also detained alongside Pehlivan. Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu announced the development on his social media account, stating, “Halk TV program presenter and News Director Serhan Asker and Barış Pehlivan were detained this evening from the Halk TV building while preparing for the program Kayda Geçsin (Let it Be Recorded). This country has gone through a lot, endured heavy periods, and emerged stronger every time, continuing its path. This time will be no different. No form of oppression has ever or will ever suppress the centuries-long love of freedom of the Turkish people.”
Additionally, it was reported that Halk TV presenter Seda Selek was detained after Serhan Asker.
What Had Happened?
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu held a press conference yesterday, where he disclosed the name of an expert witness allegedly involved in investigations targeting the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Following this, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against İmamoğlu for the charges of “Attempting to Influence an Expert Witness” and “Attempting to Influence a Fair Trial.”
The Prosecutor’s Office also instructed the Istanbul Police Department to identify and investigate media outlets that published the name of the expert witness disclosed by İmamoğlu in a way that could be considered “targeting.”
Regarding the matter, it was alleged that Barış Pehlivan and Halk TV officials recorded and broadcast a telephone conversation with the expert witness without permission during a Halk TV broadcast. It was also claimed that the expert witness’s name was revealed in a manner that could be seen as targeting, and that comments were made aimed at influencing the course of the trial. As a result, a legal investigation was launched against Barış Pehlivan and Halk TV officials for the charges of “Recording and Monitoring Conversations Between Individuals” and “Attempting to Influence an Expert Witness.”
