Turkish authorities seize control of opposition Halk TV and install a government trustee

Turkish prosecutors have appointed a government-appointed trustee to run Halk TV, the country's most-watched opposition news channel, after police raided its offices on Wednesday. The takeover hands Erdogan loyalists direct control over a broadcaster that has been a thorn in the government's side. Press freedom groups have responded by warning the raid marks a sharp escalation in Turkey's crackdown on independent media.

Halk TV was the most-watched news channel in Turkey and a key platform for opposition voices.

Press freedom organisations warn the trustee appointment effectively silences the last significant TV outlet outside government influence.

Police physically raided the broadcaster's offices before prosecutors formalised the takeover, alarming journalists on air at the time.