Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun said, "We will not allow fifth column activities under new guises," regarding the news reports that say some media outlets in Türkiye are funded by foreign countries.
Director of Communications Altun noted that they are closely following the claims that some media outlets in Türkiye are funded by a foundation based in the United States of America.
Altun emphasized that the free press is the backbone of democracy, reminding that the Turkish Constitution protects freedom of information.
Director of Communications Altun stated they are aware that media is a topic of interest for domestic and international tutelage circles and noted:
"In an environment in which some foreign leaders openly express their intentions and efforts to design Turkish politics, we cannot interpret any foreign state or institution providing various funds to the media sector independently of such interests and goals. Everyone should rest assured that our democracy will not be a sitting target under the pretext of press freedom or for any other reason. We will not allow fifth column activities under new guises.
Our country clearly needs a regulation on media outlets that operate in our country with the funds provided by foreign states or organizations. An example of this is available in the US. For example, media outlets funded by foreign countries are required to provide detailed information on their activities to the US authorities every six months. There are also various media outlets in Türkiye that are directly funded by foreign states and operate with a similar status. We will complete the regulations required for them as soon as possible to maintain public order and protect our people's right to accurate information."