A widening narcotics investigation in Turkey has sent shockwaves through the country’s media sector, with the arrest of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, editor-in-chief of the television network Habertürk. Turkish reports say Ersoy was taken into custody on Wednesday, prompting the state-appointed Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF), which now runs the channel, to immediately suspend him.
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that arrest warrants have been issued for eight individuals, including Ersoy, on charges relating to the procurement, possession or personal use of drugs, as well as providing premises for their use. Four arrests have been carried out so far.
Although authorities have not publicly named the remaining suspects, pro-government daily Sabah claims that additional Habertürk personnel are implicated, including programme producers and frequent on-air commentators.
Investigation seen as expanding into broader media circles
According to Turkish outlets, the operation is viewed as a continuation of an earlier prosecutorial investigation targeting alleged drug use within media circles. Last week, Show TV presenter Ela Rümeysa Cebeci, former Habertürk journalist Meltem Açıket and BeyazTV reporter Hande Sarıoğlu were detained under the same probe. They were later released after giving statements, undergoing medical tests and having their phones examined.
The sweep comes at a turbulent time for several Turkish broadcasters. Show TV and Habertürk belonged to Can Media Group, part of Can Holding, until the conglomerate was seized by TMSF in September on charges of money laundering, tax evasion and forgery.
Political reactions and claims of internal power struggles
Adding to the controversy, former AKP MP Şamil Tayyar gave a statement carried by multiple Turkish outlets, asserting that Ersoy had become a particularly influential figure with strong connections inside state and political networks. According to Tayyar, TMSF had attempted to remove him when the investigation began but was blocked due to his reported connections.
“The recent operation cleared every obstacle. It is now clear that authorities are moving against everyone. No one is untouchable,” Tayyar said.
The investigation remains ongoing and further detentions are expected as prosecutors extend their scrutiny into Turkey’s media environment.
Source: CNA