In a surprising development, police have detained prominent pro-government journalist Cem Küçük in Istanbul, soon after he parted ways with İhlas Media Group.
A detention warrant, dated July 31 but realized on July 30, was issued for Küçük on charges of 'publicly disseminating misleading information' and 'blackmail.'
The arrest of Küçük, who has been one of the most vocal defenders of the ruling party for years, is expected to send shockwaves through the country's media landscape. The detention comes shortly after Küçük made headlines over intense speculation surrounding his departure from TGRT Haber television and the daily Türkiye newspaper, owned by İhlas Group.
Despite rumors linking his dismissal to internal political disputes over the CHP, Küçük denied those claims. 'I swear, the departure has nothing to do with absolute nullity or Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu,' Küçük said, describing the parting of ways as a mutual decision over general matters.
