Turkey: TRT War Correspondent Elif Akkuş Denied Entry to Workplace After Suspension is Lifted
The veteran reporter has worked for the Turkish public broadcaster for 25 years
Location: Turkey, Ankara
Date: July 20, 2023
TRT, the Turkish broadcaster, denies journalist Elif Akkuş access to the building after a three-month suspension expired. The correspondent’s lawyer says she has not received an explanation for the suspension or for not being allowed to enter the building. They plan to sue TRT in response. The Coalition For Women In Journalism calls on the state broadcaster to justify their decision.
Earlier this year, TRT's correspondent Elif Akkuş, one of Turkish’ most prominent war correspondents, was suspended from working at the broadcaster for three months without any justification. On July 20, despite the expiration of her suspension period, Akkuş was not allowed to enter the TRT building.
“Akkuş was kept waiting at the door of TRT Haber, without any explanation," her lawyer Hüseyin Ersöz tweeted.
According to Ersöz, they have yet to receive a response to five previous petitions submitted to the TRT Inspection Board about her unjustified suspension. He emphasized that administrative decisions should not be made without justification in a state governed by the rule of law. The treatment of Akkuş by TRT raises concerns about the state of the public broadcaster.
Akkuş’ lawyer is planning to file a lawsuit against the board for Akkuş’s unexplained suspension.
The denial to enter TRT’s building has led to Akkuş, who has previous health problems, needing hospitalization.
"The incidents have caused Elif Akkuş's previous health issues to resurface. Today, Akkuş, who has worked for TRT for years, was issued an Incapacity Report after being hospitalized," wrote Ersöz.
Public Broadcaster or Government Propaganda?
Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) are considered an impartial public entity under Turkish law, but whether TRT practices public broadcasting or has editorial independence from the government is subject to debate.
In July 2021, Mehmet Zahid Sobacı was appointed as the new General Manager of TRT. Sobacı previously worked for the Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research (SETA), known for its targeting of journalists and close ties to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). TRT's entire board of directors was changed, and the number of members increased from seven to nine.
The International Press Institute (IPI) expressed concern over appointing government-affiliated figures to the TRT board and called for restoring TRT's autonomous structure. Since July 2018, TRT has been under the control of the Presidency through its connection to the Directorate of Communications.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is astounded by the poor treatment of Elif Akkuş at the hands of TRT. The journalist has worked for the station for 25 years and risked her life by reporting from conflict zones. She deserves an answer from the state broadcaster. We demand TRT offer a clear explanation for their mistreatment of Akkuş and allow her to return to work immediately when her health allows.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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