Radyo Dunya Can get Disbanded

DGM asked the Industry and Commerce Ministry to disband a company that owns Radyo Dunya. The radio is being sued for disseminating propaganda in favor of PKK. DGM also asked Turkeys television and radio watchdog to take action against the station.

Erol Önderoğlu

The Adana State Security Court (DGM) wrote to the Industry and Commerce Ministry demanding that the company, which owns "Radyo Dunya" (Radio World), is disbanded. Radyo Dunya has been sued for broadcasting a message from the imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Lawyer Dilek Bal said the court also asked the Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK) to take action against the station, saying it violated broadcasting principles.

Reason: Propaganda trial

The radio's broadcasting head Fatih Demir and announcer Yeter Cemile Gundogdu had been sued at the Adana DGM on the basis of article 7/2 of Turkey's anti-terrorism law. The trial will begin on July 27.

Announcer Gundogdu was detained on May 25 because, during her program on May 3, she broadcasted a statement by Ocalan who is being kept at the Imrali Prison. Ocalan made the statement through his lawyers. Gundogdu was released after being questioned at the DGM prosecutor's office.

Gundogdu had read and commented on an article titled, "A War Could Break Out, Even I Could not Prevent That," published in the "Free Agenda in the Country," newspaper.

Demir and Gundogdu face up to five years in prison and could be handed a fine of 1 billion Turkish lira (USD 800) if found guilty. (EO/BB/EA/YE)

Erol Önderoğlu

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İstanbul Üniversitesi Fransız Filolojisi Bölümü'nden mezun. 1996'da muhabiri olduğu uluslararası Sınır Tanımayan Gazeteciler (RSF) örgütünün Türkiye temsilcisi olarak çalışıyor. 1999'dan beri İPS İletişim Vakfı'nın projesi olan bianet sitesinde, Hukuki Destek Masası koordinatörü, ifade özgürlüğü editörü ve yayın yönetmeni olarak çalıştı. 4.800'den fazla imzalı haber ve makalesi bulunuyor. Bizim Gazete ve Güncel Hukuk dergisi için haber ve makaleler yazdı. Halen bianet'te Medya Gözlem Raporları'nı hazırlıyor.