Turkey investigates socks featuring Ratko Mladić image

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has launched an investigation and filed a criminal complaint following reports of socks featuring the image of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. The products, labeled ‘Made in Türkiye’, were reportedly exported to Serbia.

Inspectors conducted a search at a company in Istanbul’s Bayrampaşa district linked to the product. While the specific socks shown in social media images were not found during the inspection, authorities seized samples of other socks from the firm for laboratory testing due to labeling discrepancies.

A representative for the company stated they had previously collaborated with a Serbian firm, Blue Land, but claimed they were unaware of the individual depicted on the socks. The representative noted that business relations with the Serbian company were terminated approximately eighteen months ago upon discovering the identity of the person on the product.

The Ministry emphasized that exporters are responsible for the content of their goods, including images and text, and stated that claims of ignorance do not absolve them of their duty of care. The criminal complaint cites potential elements of glorifying crimes and perpetrators.