Greta Thunberg was in town to support Açık Radyo

The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg visited Istanbul to support Acik Radyo (Open Radio), a recently closed independent radio station in Turkey. Here are the key details of her visit:

Purpose of the Visit

Thunberg’s visit was primarily to express solidarity with Acik Radyo, which had its broadcasting license revoked by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) in July 2024[1]. The station, known for addressing human rights, minority rights, and ecological issues, was forced to cease broadcasting on October 16, 2024, just before its 30th anniversary[5].

Actions Taken

1. Meeting with Founder: Thunberg met with Omer Madra, the co-founder of Acik Radyo and a prominent Turkish environmental activist[1][5].

2. Public Statement: She made a public statement in support of the radio station, which was shared on Acik Radyo’s social media platforms. Thunberg declared, “Open Radio should stay open! I support Acik Radyo. It is more important than ever that we have honest media platforms that tell the truth about the climate crisis and human rights”[5][8].

3. Video Message: A video of Thunberg expressing her support for the broadcaster was posted on the station’s social media accounts[5].

Context of the Closure

The radio station’s license was revoked following a series of penalties, including five suspensions. The final decision came after a guest on the station used the term “Armenian Genocide” during an April 24 broadcast, which RTUK cited as showing a “pompous and partisan stance”[1]. This term is controversial in Turkey, as the government disputes the characterization of the 1915 events as genocide[5].

Thunberg’s visit to Istanbul and her support for Acik Radyo highlight the intersection of climate activism, freedom of speech, and political sensitivities in Turkey. Her actions drew attention to the closure of an independent media outlet known for its coverage of environmental and human rights issues.

Citations:

1. Turkey Today – Greta Thunberg Visits 30-Year-Old Turkish Radio Station After License Revocation
2. Bianet – Opposition Party and Greta Thunberg Express Support for Closed Independent Radio Station Açık Radyo
3. Yahoo News UK – Greta Thunberg Visits Turkey Radio Station After License Revocation
4. Yeşil Gazete – Greta Thunberg Supports Turkey’s First Climate Case
5. Al-Monitor – Greta Thunberg Visits Turkey Radio Station Closed Over Armenia Genocide Row
6. NAMPA – Greta Thunberg Visit to Turkey’s Closed Radio Station
7. Yeni Şafak – Greta Thunberg Visits Açık Radyo Supporting Armenian Allegations
8. Duvar English – Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Visits Radio Station Closed by Turkish Government
9. Turkish Minute – Greta Thunberg Visits Turkey Radio Station Closed Over Armenia Genocide Row
10. Yahoo News – Greta Thunberg Visits Turkey Radio Station Closed Over Armenia Genocide Row