The Iranian founder of a popular Farsi-language satellite television network has been shot dead in Istanbul alongside a Kuwaiti business partner, according to Turkish media, months after reportedly being convicted of spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic.
GEM TV founder Saeed Karimian was travelling through Istanbul’s Maslak neighbourhood after 8pm (1700 GMT) on Saturday when the car was blocked by a Jeep and shots were fired, Turkey’s Doğan news agency said on Sunday.
Karimian was found dead by emergency services. His associate was taken to hospital but could not be revived.
Doğan described both victims as being of Iranian origin. Hürriyet Daily News identified Karimian as a British national and his associate as a Kuwaiti.
In a statement on its Facebook page, GEM TV confirmed Karimian had died but did not make clear the circumstances of the death.
Hürriyet reported that two masked shooters got out of the Jeep before opening fire. The vehicle was later found abandoned and burned. Istanbul police declined to comment on the shooting.
Doğan quoted the mayor of Istanbul’s Sarıyer district as saying initial police findings suggested the shooting may have been prompted by a financial disagreement involving Karimian.
GEM TV is known for entertainment satellite channels that dub foreign films and western programmes into Farsi for Iranians. It also produces movies and TV series.
MORE HERE: Iranian TV executive shot dead in Istanbul, Turkish media report | World news | The Guardian
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