Ahmet Davutoğlu testifies in investigation for insulting the President

Former Prime Minister and Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu provided a statement to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding an investigation into allegations of “insulting the President.” The investigation stems from a speech Davutoğlu delivered in Bingöl in September 2021, in which he criticized government officials and accused them of corruption and nepotism.

Following his statement at the Ankara Courthouse, Davutoğlu announced his decision to withdraw from active politics. He expressed sadness over the legal proceedings, noting that it is a “first in the history of the Republic” for a former Prime Minister to be summoned as a suspect for expressing political criticism. He emphasized that he provided his statement out of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.

Davutoğlu maintained that he stands by his previous remarks, stating, “I stand behind my words.” He also noted that he had declined several media requests to avoid creating a negative international perception of the Turkish judiciary. Political figures, including Ali Babacan and Mahmut Arıkan, appeared at the courthouse to show support.