Turkish authorities issued an arrest warrant for Cafer Mahiroğlu, the UK-based businessman and owner of Halk TV, a prominent opposition-leaning news channel known for its critical stance toward President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government.

The warrant was issued by an Istanbul court as part of a broader corruption investigation involving Beşiktaş Municipality in Istanbul, a local district historically held by opposition parties. Mahiroğlu is facing charges of “rigging public tenders” and “establishing and leading a criminal organization,” according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Halk TV is one of a handful of major television outlets in Turkey not aligned with the government. Since its acquisition by Mahiroğlu in 2020, the channel has positioned itself as a voice for opposition parties, secularists, and government critics.

The case stems from the testimony of Aziz İhsan Aktaş, a former municipal official who was previously arrested in connection with the same investigation. After cooperating with prosecutors under a legal provision similar to a plea bargain—known in Turkey as “effective remorse” Aktaş was released from detention and provided information allegedly implicating........

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