15.04.2026 18:51
Following the attacks that occurred in schools in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, successive warnings were issued to media organizations by the Directorate of Communications and RTÜK. In a statement from the Directorate of Communications, it was emphasized that unverified information and content other than statements made by official institutions and authorities should not be relied upon, while RTÜK announced that the heaviest sanctions would be applied against broadcasting approaches that disturb the peace of society and negatively affect the mental health of children.
Following the attacks that occurred in schools in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, successive warnings were issued to media organizations from the Presidency Communications Directorate and the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).
WARNING TO MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
A written statement from the Communications Directorate noted that developments regarding the school attacks that occurred in recent days are being followed with sensitivity by the public.
The statement, which emphasized the great importance of managing the process with common sense, protecting public peace, and especially safeguarding the psychological safety of children, included the following assessments: "Within this framework, our media organizations must act with maximum responsibility in their broadcasting policies. Detailed depiction of violent acts, highlighting the identities of victims and perpetrators, and keeping events on the agenda continuously by dramatizing them can create an encouraging effect for similar actions, as well as deepen the climate of fear and panic in society. Therefore, moderation, sensitivity, and ethical principles should be the basis in broadcasts. Our public institutions, primarily the Ministries of Justice, Interior, National Education, and Health, continue their work in coordination with all relevant units. While our security units increase the necessary security measures in the field, guidance and psychosocial support processes are meticulously carried out in our educational institutions. Transparency, accuracy, and timely information are fundamental in the communication processes of our institutions, ensuring public access to accurate information."
DISINFORMATION WARNING The statement pointed out that such events create a ground extremely open to disinformation, noting the following: "Unverified information and content circulating outside of statements made by official institutions and authorities should not be relied upon. For the accurate information of the public, it is of great importance that all our citizens follow only official sources. All our institutions continue their work in coordination to protect public peace, the safety of our children, and the sustainability of public order. We believe that our media organizations will also contribute to social solidarity by acting with a responsible broadcasting understanding in this process."
RTÜK: THE MOST SEVERE SANCTIONS WILL BE APPLIED URGENTLY AND RESOLUTELY On the other hand, a statement from RTÜK announced that regarding the attack, no concessions will be made against irresponsible broadcasting that disturbs public peace and negatively affects children's mental health, and that the most severe sanctions will be applied resolutely against organizations that do not comply with the bans.
A statement from RTÜK's NSosyal account noted that a broadcasting ban was imposed regarding the armed attack that occurred at an educational institution in the province by the decision of the Kahramanmaraş 2nd Criminal Court of Peace, but some media organizations continued to share inappropriate content by not fulfilling their legal obligations.
The statement reported that the incident in question and all related broadcasts are being monitored instantly, with great attention and meticulousness, by Monitoring and Evaluation Experts, noting the following: "It is important not to use crime scene footage in the news coverage of statements made and to be made by official authorities. All types of broadcasts that violate the court decision, share visuals from the scene, or constitute an attack on the privacy of victims' relatives, including violations within the scope of expert opinions, are being recorded. No concessions will be made against this irresponsible broadcasting understanding that disturbs public peace and will negatively affect children's mental health, and the most severe sanctions under Law No. 6112 will be applied urgently and resolutely against organizations that do not comply with the bans. All broadcasters are strongly warned to immediately ensure full compliance with legal decisions and broadcasting principles."