CNN International's senior correspondent Ivan Watson called 'that CNN flunky' by Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan.

CNN International's (DStv 401) brilliant senior international correspondent Ivan Watson based in Istanbul, Turkey is being called "that flunkey" by the Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan.

It follows after Ivan Watson was kicked on live global television by Istanbul security forces while the CNN team was forced to show press accreditation to hostile officials while CNN was covering anti-government protests

Reuters reports that Tayyip Erdogan today called Ivan Watson an "agent" and "That CNN flunky".

The Turkish government continues to crack down on freedom of speech in that country with security forces that are hostile and extremely aggressive towards the media and international press.

"The international media that came to Istanbul and made exaggerated, provocative calls were licking their paws. One of them was that CNN flunky," Tayyip Erdogan told the Turkish parliament in a speech  according to Reuters.

""He was caught red-handed. These people have nothing to do with a free, impartial, independent press. These people are literally executing their duties as agents. That's why they are here."

CNN International adding new show, The World Right Now with Hala Gorani, from June, correspondent Ivan Watson moving to Hong Kong.

CNN International (DStv 401) is getting ready to add Hala Gorani's new hour long show which will start this month which will be called The World Right Now with Hala Gorani, done from London.

CNN's senior international correspondent Ivan Watson is also relocating to Hong Kong.

CNN International says it will be "doubling" its live news programming for viewers in Africa, the Middle East and Europe during the breakfast hours from the third quarter of 2014, from CNN Center in Atlanta.

CNN says it is evolving CNN World Sport into "a more frequent bulletin to better capture the needs of audiences across the 24-hour programming cycle".

CNN International's senior international correspondent Ivan Watson in South Africa about Nelson Mandela's Xhosa heritage.

CNN International's Ivan Watson jetted into South Africa and the Eastern Cape province to do a profile piece on Nelson Mandela's early years.

Ivan Watson looked at Nelson Mandela's upbringing in Qunu and his Xhosa heritage which CNN International is now playing following the death of Nelson Mandela on Thursday.

The packaged piece was likely pre-done by Ivan Watson earlier this year during a trip to South Africa since the senior international correspondent of CNN wasn't actually in South Africa this week.

Ivan Watson of CNN International promoted to senior international correspondent.

Ivan Watson, the globe-trotting and fearless roaming reporter of CNN International (DStv 401) has been promoted to senior international correspondent at the 24-hour international TV news network.

Parisa Khosravi, senior vice president of international newsgathering for CNN Worldwide announced Ivan Watson's promotion.

Ivan Watson who is based at CNN Istanbul, joined CNN four years ago and has since covered a number of major news stories like the Haiti eartquake in 2010 and the conflict and social uprising across the Middle East known as the "Arab Spring".

Ivan Watson most recently reported from Syria and has extensively covered the impact that story has made in Turkey and the surrounding region.

In a note to staff Parisa Khosravi said "I am pleased to announce Ivan Watson's promotion to senior international correspondent. Ivan's excellent reporting speaks for itself, and we are proud to acknowledge his contribution to CNN International's coverage in the past few years."