Turkish state TV bans opposition advert Published duration 11 April 2015

image copyright CHP image caption The advert features the CHP's election slogan "We applaud as a nation"

Turkey's state television has banned the main opposition party's election campaign advert because it directly targets the government.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) accused broadcaster TRT of "abusing public office" and vowed to take legal action.

It has previously protested at TRT "bias" towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The election will take place on 7 June.

"The main purpose of state-funded television in all democratic countries is fairness of broadcasting. TRT's direction are committing the crime of abuse of public office," he added.

Mr Tezcan also reminded the broadcaster that it is "owned by the public".

TRT has so far declined to comment.

The opposition advert featured the slogan "we applaud as a nation" and criticised the "oppression" of justice, freedom and secularism in the country.

It urged voters to attend the party's first mass election rally on Saturday.