Turkish Prime Minister continues attacks on media

Erdogan had launched a war against Dogan Media Group because of its coverage on an ongoing fraud case in Germany and its alleged links to the ruling Justice and Development Party as well as to the prime minister himself.

The case about a religious charity, Deniz Feneri, is the latest fraud cases surrounding Erdogan and his party, which brought the prime minister to boiling point.

Erdogan blamed Dogan Media Group for not respecting responses of those accused in fraud cases. "Are we going to bow to such media terror?," Erdogan told in his party's meeting on Saturday.

A legal case was opened in Germany for the religious charity, Deniz Feneri, over claims of illegal financial transactions of donated funds and fraud.

According to the indictment of the case, donations were transferred or sent to pro-government Islamist media organs in Turkey even to Prime Minister's office.

The government is ready to take the necessary steps if the case in Germany somehow extended to Turkey, Erdogan added. "If it is proved by the court, those responsible of this (fraud) should be punished," he said.

He also said Aydin Dogan, the owner of Dogan Group, had written him some letters in which Dogan said he has two hats "one as a media mogul, one as a businessman."

"You are not going receive a positive response to any unfair demand Mr. Aydin Dogan," Erdogan shouted angrily during his speech.

Last week Erdogan urged Dogan Media Group disclose the reason why they have been reporting on the events surrounding the Deniz Feneri scandal, or else "he will reveal the real reason himself" on Saturday 13 September.

However, on Saturday's speech Erdogan failed to make any concrete comment on his claims over "the reason behind Dogan Group's reports on" Deniz Feneri scandal.

He also slammed International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, over its criticism against the premier.

"And today this IPI gave me a so-called ultimatum. Who do you think you are to give me an ultimatum," Erdogan added.

Both domestic and international press organizations issued statement, voicing their concerns over freedom of press in Turkey. The European Union also raised its worries.