Kılıçdaroğlu Likened Operations Against Zaman, Samanyolu TV to Coup Process

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has drawn criticism for his past stance on operations against media outlets linked to the Gülen movement, which Ankara accuses of orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt.

In 2014, the Gülen movement's media organizations, including Zaman and Bugün newspapers and Samanyolu TV, were targeted in operations. Kılıçdaroğlu and other CHP lawmakers attended a press conference protesting these actions, with Kılıçdaroğlu stating, "We will always stand by the oppressed."

Kılıçdaroğlu also opposed the removal of FETÖ-affiliated radio and television channels from various broadcasting platforms, including Tivibu, Turkcell TV+, Digiturk, Teledünya, and KabloTV. In November 2015, Türksat cut off satellite broadcasts for 13 television channels and radio stations belonging to the Samanyolu group. Shortly after, trustees were appointed to Kanaltürk and Bugün TV, also linked to the Gülen movement, leading to their broadcasts being halted.

CHP lawmakers, including Enis Berberoğlu and Eren Erdem, visited Zaman newspaper to show support. Erdem later stated they went on Kılıçdaroğlu's instruction via Berberoğlu. Mahmut Tanal, another CHP MP, reacted to Kılıçdaroğlu's recent remarks about "FETÖ infiltration," saying, "We went to Zaman on his orders. If we are FETÖ members, then he is too."

Following the 2016 coup attempt, Samanyolu TV was permanently shut down. Kılıçdaroğlu questioned the closure on CNN Türk, asking, "Why are you shutting it down, brother?" When asked if the channel should remain as the "organization's media outlet," he replied, "No, sir. Look, those television channels were not just for the organization; I know many people who produced news and programs on those channels."

Kılıçdaroğlu also read out names of individuals associated with the Gülen movement and involved in the Ergenekon trials, such as Nazlı Ilıcak and Ahmet Altan, at a party rally, prompting applause from CHP supporters. He defended these actions by stating he was defending law and democracy at a time when others were supporting the AKP government.