# Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigations-into-insults-against-president-erdoan
> Updated: 2026-09-09T11:50:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 4.

Turkish authorities have initiated criminal investigations into individuals for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In late August, the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul launched an investigation into British economist Timothy Ash. The inquiry follows remarks made in Muğla where Ash allegedly referred to an era of “maybe sociopathic leaders” while naming President Erdoğan. Ash reportedly attempted to retract the comment immediately, describing it as a “genuine slip of the tongue.”

In early September, the Ankara Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu regarding resurfaced social media footage of a speech delivered in September 2021 in Bingöl. In the video, Davutoğlu criticized the government’s economic management and accused officials of enriching relatives and associates, stating, “I did not eat a single penny of forbidden food like the ministers after me.”

On September 6, Davutoğlu provided a statement to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. While he stated he provided the testimony out of respect for the rule of law, he maintained, “I stand behind my words.” Following the proceedings, Davutoğlu announced his decision to withdraw from active politics, describing the summoning of a former Prime Minister as a suspect for political criticism as a “first in the history of the Republic.”

In subsequent statements, Davutoğlu defended his actions, asserting, “I did not insult; I demanded an account. I did not demean; I criticized. I did not commit a crime; I exercised my constitutional right and political responsibility.” Despite the legal proceedings, reports indicate Davutoğlu has invited President Erdoğan to his son's upcoming wedding ceremony.

## Claims

- The Ankara Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into Ahmet Davutoğlu for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation is based on social media posts containing statements deemed insulting to the president. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In the video, Davutoğlu accused the government of enriching relatives and associates and favoring specific contractors. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Davutoğlu claimed the government sold out Turkey to five contractors. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Ahmet Davutoğlu testifies in investigation over alleged insults to President Erdoğan

Former Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoğlu testified regarding an investigation into allegations of insulting President Erdoğan, maintaining his remarks were legitimate political criticism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmet-davutolu-testifies-in-investigation-over-alleged-insults-to-president-erdoan

### 2026-09-06: Ahmet Davutoğlu testifies in investigation for insulting the President

Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu testified in an investigation for “insulting the President” and announced his withdrawal from politics, stating he stands by his previous critical remarks.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmet-davutolu-faces-investigation-for-insulting-the-president

### 2026-09-03: Ahmet Davutoğlu faces investigation for allegedly insulting President Erdoğan

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu for allegedly insulting President Erdoğan in social media videos criticizing government corruption.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmet-davutolu-faces-investigation-for-allegedly-insulting-president-erdoan

### 2026-08-27: Timothy Ash faces investigation for insulting Turkish President Erdoğan

Turkish prosecutors have opened an investigation into British economist Timothy Ash for allegedly insulting President Erdoğan during a meeting in Muğla.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timothy-ash-faces-investigation-for-insulting-turkish-president-erdoan

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Cite as: Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigations-into-insults-against-president-erdoan