RTÜK bans media coverage of Habaş steel plant accident in Aliağa

Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) announced a publication ban on media coverage of the workplace accident at the Habaş Demir Çelik factory in Aliağa, İzmir. The watchdog said the measure was taken to prevent information pollution and protect the integrity of the investigation.

RTÜK notified all media organizations of the decision. The ban applies to written, visual, and digital outlets and targets speculative reporting about the incident.

“The measure was taken to prevent information pollution after the incident and to protect the integrity of the investigation.”

The council also ordered strict monitoring of live broadcasts from the scene, unverified claims, and sensitive images. It stressed that only official announcements by competent authorities should be used as the source of information about the accident.

Following the accident, numerous search and rescue, health, and security teams were dispatched to the region. Work safety experts and judicial authorities launched technical examinations at the relevant units of the factory.

An expert committee was established to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities emphasized that media organizations must show sensitivity so that the judicial process can proceed in a healthy manner.

RTÜK required television channels, radio stations, internet news sites, and social media platforms to comply fully with the legal restrictions. During the ban, outlets must refrain from sharing unverified information and documents, avoid visual and audio content that could worsen the impact of the event or negatively affect victims' relatives, and avoid any publication that would violate the confidentiality of the investigation.