ISTANBUL - Early this morning, officers from three specialized Turkish police units—Financial Crimes, Organized Crime, and Counter-Terrorism—raided Halk TV's Istanbul offices. The operation has resulted in a complete suspension of the channel’s broadcasts and blocked journalists from entering the building.

External Administrator Appointed Amid Criticism from Politicians

Control of the broadcaster’s operations has been officially handed over to the Turkish Savings Deposit Insurance Fund and an external administrator has been appointed. The broadcaster stated that the move follows heavy criticism of its editorial policy from several influential Turkish politicians. Talks between the channel's editor-in-chief and the new administrator to resume broadcasting have ended without a resolution.

Raid Linked to Criminal Case Against Owner Cafer Mahiroğlu

Pro-government media report that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated the operation based on a financial investigation by Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), secret witness testimony, and an audit targeting the channel's owner, Cafer Mahiroğlu.

Mass Arrest Warrants Issued as Owner Blames 'Internal Political Games'

Authorities have issued arrest warrants for seventeen individuals connected to the case, detaining eleven so far. Mahiroğlu and four others are currently outside of Turkey.

Commenting on social media, Mahiroğlu dismissed the raid as a product of "internal political games," while the Turkish opposition condemned the operation as a direct attack on freedom of speech that damages the nation's reputation.