RTUK halts broadcasts of Uzan’s TV stations

Uzan’s TV stations were continuously broadcasting Cem Uzan’s Bursa speech, through which he was accusing the prime minister and AK Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan of stealing from him after the energy ministry seized his power generation and distribution companies Cukurova and Kepez.

The ministry seized the two companies, namely Kepez Elektrik and Cukurova Elektrik, for violating laws and dishonored their contracts with the state.

Upon this, Uzan accused Erdogan of attacking the Uzans’ business interests in order to harm his closest political rival. Uzan apparently called Erdogan "treacherous" and "Godless". Erdogan has already filed suits with the court against Uzan and is seeking damages from him.

RTUK yesterday decided to ban the broadcasts of Uzan’s five TV stations for using the broadcasts to favor unjust benefit for their owner. RTUK had asked for the defenses from these TV stations for their broadcasts between June 13 and 14.

Uzan’s supporters believe that the seizure of Cukurova and Kepez is a political maneuver aimed at hurting a strong political rival, while AK Party officials blame the Uzans for defrauding the public and ruled out allegations that there was a political goal behind the decision.

The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) on Thursday seized Uzan’s Imarbank as well. The banking watchdog appointed a new management to the bank.

Uzan founded GP before the 2002 elections and, according to recent public opinion polls, GP support has increased more rapidly than all other political parties.