Seized Turkey daily adopts pro-govt line

A leading Turkish newspaper which had staunchly opposed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday printed its first new edition since its seizure by authorities, strongly supporting the government line.

Turkish police on Friday raided the Istanbul premises of the Zaman newspaper using tear gas and water cannon to enter the building in order to impose a court order placing the media business under administration.

The front page of the paper, normally strongly critical of the president, yesterday was full of articles supporting the government. Zaman headlined an ambitious three billion dollar government project to connect Asian and European sides of Turkey's mega city Istanbul by a third bridge.

In common with traditionally pro-government newspapers the front page also contained images of the funerals of "martyrs" killed in the military clashes with Kurdish rebels in the southeast.

Meanwhile, the head of the authority vetting countries aspiring to join the European Union has said Turkey's hopes have been “jeopardised” by a crackdown on press freedom.

Johannes Hahn, the European Enlargement Commissioner, wrote on Twitter that human rights are “not negotiable” for prospective EU members.

“Extremely worried about latest developments on Zaman newspaper which jeopardises progress made by Turkey in other areas,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor this case closely. Turkey, as a candidate country, needs to respect freedom of the media.”

With an estimated circulation of 650,000, the newspaper has been closely affiliated with Erdogan's enemy, exiled Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, believed to be wielding significant influence in the police and judiciary, as well as media and financial interests.

Yesterday's edition was the first issue after the takeover, which critics said was aimed at eradicating opposition media in Turkey.

"The Sunday edition was not produced by Zaman's staff," a journalist of the daily said.