Turkish police raid opposition TV station, halting live broadcasts

It is the latest in a series of crackdowns on media critical of the Turkish president and his government. Police in riot gear were seen outside the office in Istanbul early on Wednesday Turkish police have raided the headquarters of one of the country's most-watched news channels, halting its live broadcasts. Reports in Turkish media said financial crimes police were searching the building of Halk TV, a pro-opposition channel, and that 11 people had been taken into custody in a raid linked to the channel's owner. The government also appointed a new administrator to run the channel. It is the latest in a series of crackdowns on news sources deemed to be critical of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan and his government.

Halk journalists were initially unable to get into the building, although they later were allowed in, several reporters said on X. There was a heavy police presence in the building, they said. Halk's news channel and live broadcasts on its YouTube page were both offline early on Wednesday. The channel has been seen by many in the country as being close to the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). It often voices criticism of Erdoğan's ruling AK party. Prosecutors said arrest warrants had been issued for 17 people as part of the investigation into Halk chairman Cafer Mahiroğlu on allegations