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Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-07 22:40 UTC → 2026-09-09 13:24 UTC · added removed

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 at the Ankara Courthouse. 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.” Political figures, including Ali Babacan 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 Mahmut Arıkan, attended political responsibility.” Despite the courthouse legal proceedings, reports indicate Davutoğlu has invited President Erdoğan to support him. his son's upcoming wedding ceremony.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-09 13:24 UTC Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan
  2. 2026-09-07 22:40 UTC Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan
  3. 2026-09-07 12:21 UTC Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan
  4. 2026-09-03 13:41 UTC Investigations into insults against President Erdoğan

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