'Islamist' Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs subjects pilgrims to 'State' propaganda.

'New Turkey'

'Islamist' Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs subjects pilgrims to 'State' propaganda. HT: TodaysZaman.

A group of Turkish religious pilgrims who undertook hajj, or religious pilgrimage, organized by a foundation connected to the Directorate of Religious Affairs say they have been subjected political propaganda by having their access to TV restricted to only pro-government media outlets.

The group took part in the pilgrimage through one of the directorate's foundations based in the Netherlands. Participants say the directorate's Al Mostafa Tower Hotel in Mecca only gave access to the A Haber news channel, a pro-government media outlet.

Talking with Today's Zaman, Alper Metin -- who for hajj traveled to Saudi Arabia from Rotterdam with the directorate's foundation -- said that all TVs in the hotel rooms and common places only had the A Haber channel, a news outlet that is in support of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Metin objected to Kaşıkçı's remarks, saying that only the pro-government TRT1, TRT SPOR, ATV, SKYTÜRK, TGRT and A Haber TV channels were on the list, but that no private channels like NTV, CNN Türk, Habertürk or Kanal 7 were represented. “The pilgrimage is not the place for political propaganda,” Metin said.

When asked about the selection of A Haber, which is known for its pro-government policy and debates, directorate official Kaşıkçı declined to answer and promptly ended the phone interview with Today's Zaman. Hmmm.......Can't wait till the 'Directorate of Religious affairs' start serving this TV selection to tourists.....'Bon Appetit' Read the full story here.