Last updated:14/05/2008
TV show cancelled after student protest

A Turkish television show was called off after a group of students who were barred from the audience held a protest.

The programme called ‘Siyaset Meydani’ (The Political Arena) was due to hold a debate on fertility and birth rates whilst being filmed at Harran University.

The Turkish military stepped up security measures around the university campus before the filming and students were not allowed in as spectators. A group of 300 students began a demonstration against this decision, chanting slogans and calling for the host of the show, Ali Kirca, to leave the campus.

In response Kirca said his programme wouldn’t be able to host the students as the hall where the recording would take place was not large enough.

“We are supposed to discuss fertility in the region with our guests. That’s why we wished to talk to locals,” he stated.
Students continued their protest. “If you weren’t planning on listening to the young people, then why did you choose to hold your show here?” asked one of the students.

Kirca then announced the show’s cancellation due to the student protest and left the campus.