Turkey Requests Broadcast Records from 2013 Gezi Park Amid Ongoing Investigation

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has requested that the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) provide records of media broadcasts allegedly promoting the 2013 Gezi Park protests. The request comes amid an ongoing investigation in which talent agent Ayşe Barım has been arrested.

Allegations of Media “Propaganda”

Prosecutors argue that some media organizations portrayed the Gezi Park protests as legal, potentially fueling social unrest. According to Habertürk, the prosecution seeks archived recordings from May 27, 2013, onward to determine whether certain outlets engaged in "propaganda-like broadcasts.” If RTÜK provides these records, media representatives may be summoned to testify as suspects in the investigation.

RTÜK Member: Archive Request Not Legally Feasible

However, İlhan Taşçı, a RTÜK board member from the opposition CHP, stated that such records are no longer available. He explained that RTÜK only retains recordings for one year, after which they are automatically deleted. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Taşçı noted:

“Only reports or files related to judicial proceedings are preserved. Private media service providers are legally required to store their broadcasts for only one year. Therefore, obtaining such long-term records is not legally feasible.”

Who is Ayşe Barım, and Why Was She Arrested?

Ayşe Barım, co-founder of iD Communication Consultancy, was arrested on January 28 on charges of "attempting to overthrow the government or prevent it from fulfilling its duties.” Prosecutors claim that she coerced famous actors into joining the protests. As part of the investigation, numerous actors—including Halit Ergenç, Bergüzar Korel, Nehir Erdoğan, Dolunay Soysert, Rıza Kocaoğlu, Mehmet Günsür, Nejat İşler, and Ceyda Düvenci—were questioned as witnesses.

Broader Implications

The case has reignited debates over press freedom, historical accountability, and the government’s handling of the Gezi Park protests, which remain a symbol of civil resistance in Turkey. Whether RTÜK will be able to comply with the prosecutor’s request remains uncertain.