Aydın prosecutors investigate newspaper over misleading Erdoğan death post

The Aydın Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the local newspaper Denge Gazetesi following a controversial social media post. On August 25, 2026, the newspaper’s Facebook page shared a graphic with large text stating “Erdoğan Vefat Etti” (Erdoğan Has Died) on a black background, which caused significant public outcry.

Upon clicking the link, readers were directed to a news report regarding the death of a private citizen named Gülşen Erdoğan. While the website's article correctly identified the deceased individual, the social media graphic was designed to imply the death of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to generate clicks.

Authorities have opened a criminal investigation under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, which covers “Publicly Spreading Misleading Information.” As part of the legal process, three journalists, including the newspaper's representative, have been detained by police.