Popular YouTube channel cancels election broadcast over threats

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A popular YouTube channel in Turkey has announced the cancellation of their "Election Exclusive" broadcast due to multiple threats received from unknown sources.

BaBaLa TV, which has attracted millions of views, features interviews with political party leaders in the run-up to Turkey's May 14 presidential and parliamentary elections. The broadcasts feature lengthy and impassioned debates, lasting for 4-5 hours at a time, where political leaders take questions from the audience and engage in spirited discussions on a range of issues.

In a statement on Twitter, Oğuzhan Uğur, the owner of the channel, said they had received numerous threats in the past but had ignored them. However, he said the situation had escalated to the point where there was a risk of violence. "We cannot allow ourselves to be blamed for any fights that might break out on the street," he said.

Uğur also mentioned that they had received an anonymous tip-off and had urged their volunteers to stay away from any potential danger. "I have young people working with me, and I can't put them at risk. We did what we could, and we directed our volunteers to polling stations. We hope our efforts have been helpful. Please go and vote!"

In addition, Uğur referred to a 2-hour, 36-minute video they had released earlier that day titled "Addressing the Nation." The video features interviews with the leaders of various political parties, including the Communist Movement of Turkey (TKH), the Young (Genç) Party, the Homeland (Memleket) Party, the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP), the New Welfare (Yeniden Refah) Party, and the Acestral Alliance's presidential candidate Sinan Oğan.

The cancellation of BaBaLa TV's program comes at a time of heightened tension in Turkey, with allegations of election interference and threats against opposition figures. The Turkish presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on May 14, and most pollsters predict a close race between incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his main opponent, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. (TY/VK)