During a program on May 8, Sevda Noyan, a pro-government media figure, stated “July 15 [2016 military coup attempt] stuck in our gizzard. We couldn’t do what we wanted. We were taken unawares … Our family would take down 50 people. We are very well equipped both materially and spiritually. We stand by our leader,” and added that several people residing in the same residential complex with her were “on her list.”
Esra Elönü, host of the program, approved Noyan with her response.
Ebubekir Şahin, the RTÜK chair, initially stated that they wouldn’t give a penalty to the broadcaster “that would please coup supporters”. After reactions by the opposition politicians and the public, on May 22, The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) announced that it imposed a broadcast suspension for three episodes to the program over a guest’s remarks that “incited hatred.”
