Turkish police storm critical media group headquarters

Turkish police on Wednesday used tear gas and water cannon to storm the headquarters of a media group known for its opposition to the government.

The raid followed an Ankara court decision ordering the seizure of the business of the Istanbul-based Koza-Ipek Holding linked to U.S.-based Islamic cleric Fetullah Gulen.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) believe that Gulen and his followers are determined to topple the government.

The riot police' storm, which came just days before the Sunday parliamentary election, sparked an immediate outcry in the country as the move was seen as a strike on freedom of press.

The images of police smashing the gates of the building with chainsaws and rushing toward the master control room of the TV stations were broadcast live.

More than 500 people were carrying anti-government banners outside to show solidarity with the company and its employees.

The trustees who were appointed under the court's order also arrived at the building to execute an investigation and procedures to seize the company's business. Police blocked the entrance and exit of the building.

Several lawmakers from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) were also on the scene to negotiate with the police, who tried to stop the live broadcast.

An Ankara court on Monday ordered the seizure of the group's 21 companies as part of an ongoing crackdown on Gulen's Movement.

Police in September also raided Koza-Ipek media group and briefly detained its CEO over charges of joining the so-called terrorist organization of Gulen.

Gulen, who once had control over Turkey's judiciary and police, launched a corruption probe into government officials in December 2013, including President Erdogan and his family members.

Since then Erdogan and the AKP have been conducting a broad crackdown against Gulen and his supporters, accusing them of establishing a parallel state and a terrorist group. Endit