CHP's Kılıçdaroğlu Faces Backlash Over Halk TV Criticism

A political feud has erupted within Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), following comments by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu targeting the independent broadcaster Halk TV. Kılıçdaroğlu, recently appointed CHP Chairman after a court ruling, accused some television channel owners of being based abroad and suggested they buy influence, specifically mentioning Halk TV and its Chairman Cafer Mahiroğlu.

“

It is shameless to thank TGRT, which has been orchestrating this conspiracy, spreading these slanders, and broadcasting these programs for 3 years, and to target Halk TV. It is a disgrace for democracy. I was ashamed on his behalf. You cannot shame us any further, you are at your limit.

This criticism drew a sharp rebuke from CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır. "It is shameless to thank TGRT, which has been orchestrating this conspiracy, spreading these slanders, and broadcasting these programs for 3 years, and to target Halk TV," Başarır stated. He expressed shame on Kılıçdaroğlu's behalf, calling the situation a disgrace for democracy and asserting that they could not tolerate it any further.

Mahiroğlu, in turn, defended Halk TV's editorial line. He highlighted that despite Halk TV's critical and often sharp reporting, even during the AKP government's tenure, they faced no direct threats or warnings from the state, only regulatory actions that were often overturned. He accused Kılıçdaroğlu of sending messages to unspecified parties and of misunderstanding the CHP electorate by believing that silencing Halk TV would be sufficient.

“

We will change this order, we will change it! Believe me, we will change this order. But while fighting, we must be together. We must be shoulder to shoulder. Some television owners, whose owners are in London, who do not dare to come to Turkey. Just as money can be used to buy and sell delegates, let television channels not be bought and sold with money. I will prevent that too, I will prevent that too... We will fight within this framework. We will fight for the unity of the family, for its integrity. We will fight together. If we don't do this, we will have problems.

Mahiroğlu recounted instances where other CHP figures allegedly suggested taking over Halk TV to manipulate public opinion or offered financial support in exchange for favorable coverage. He insisted that Halk TV operates under the protection of its viewers and Turkish law, and that he has always upheld principles of justice, law, democracy, and humanity in his broadcasting.

“

Dear Turkish people, dear Halk TV viewers; At Halk TV, which we bought about 7 years ago, despite our opposition stance and broadcasts including sharp criticisms, we have not received any warnings or threats from the AKP government or state institutions. They imposed many fines, they blacked out the screen, but all were within the scope of our activities with the supervisory authority. Most of the fines were overturned by the court. Today, we are at a completely different level in terms of pressure, threat, and blackmail. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu directly targets Halk TV and me, points us out. He is sending messages somewhere. He thinks that silencing Halk TV will be enough for him to move freely; he proves once again that he does not know the CHP voter at all. They have gone so far in pressure, threat, and blackmail that before openly targeting from the podium, there was more. A CHP deputy is being interviewed, saying 'Give us Halk TV, we will reverse the perception in 3 months' – this is how much they know their voters. Another is advising, 'Support us; we will do whatever is necessary, materially and morally.' When they couldn't achieve results with these, they are now openly calling 'Silence Halk TV.' This channel is under the guarantee of Halk TV viewers and the laws of the Republic of Turkey. As a citizen of the Republic of Turkey, I have broadcast with my belief in the unity and togetherness of my country. I have stood for justice, law, democracy, and humanity. I am in the same place today. Therefore, Halk TV...