Ali Babacan stated that in an environment where the filth has spilled out into the open along with the latest “fund fraud” scandal, no one should be busy trying to cover it up. Freedom of expression and of the press is the foundation of democracy. DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan assessed the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV ahead of the Yeni Yol Group meeting, saying that democracy cannot be spoken of in countries where the press is unable to fulfill its duty of reporting and oversight.
Babacan stated that, alongside the recent “fund fraud” debates, access blocks have been imposed on numerous social media accounts and broadcast restrictions have been applied. Journalists have also been detained. Noting that journalists have been arrested or are facing house arrest, Babacan said that television channels have been transferred to the TMSF, placed under trustees, or shut down. He emphasized that the truth cannot be covered up by silencing the media.
Addressing the government and state institutions, Babacan called for justice to be strengthened. He also called for the rule of law and the economy to be strengthened. Reminding that elections are approaching, Babacan said that for a fair campaign, action must be taken in line with law and justice, and he called for the decisions that have been made to be reversed.
Why it matters
Babacan’s remarks take the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV beyond an isolated decision and tie it to the debate over the fairness of the approaching elections. The issue thus no longer remains confined to the management of a single channel; it turns into the question of how access blocks, broadcast restrictions, journalist detentions, and TMSF transfers will affect voters’ access to information during the campaign period. The opposition’s emphasis on law and justice reflects the intention to move this issue to the center of the election agenda
Background
Babacan is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 5 news stories mentioning him in the last 90 days; the most recent is dated October 5, 2026.