TV Presenter Who Said "We Would Start Killing Civilians in Cihangir" Resigns
Click to read the article in Turkish
Akit TV's "Gün Başlıyor" program host Ahmet Keser has resigned from his post following his statement regarding claims that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) is killing civilians in Afrin: "Why would Turkey's army go there to kill civilians? If we were to kill civilians, we would start from Cihangir, Nişantaşı, Etiler... Isn't that right? There are plenty of traitors. There's Parliament."
Akit TV's statement on the subject read:
"(...) Our institution does not approve of Ahmet Keser's excessive remarks following his correct assessment that 'Turkey's soldiers don't kill civilians.' Ahmet Keser has left his position to prevent the use of his remarks as a pretext to conduct a lynching campaign against his institution."
AKP Spokesperson Ünal: "Unacceptable, inexplicable"
Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Mahir Ünal also spoke on a program he attended on NTV about Ahmet Keser's remarks:
"To go on a TV program and target certain segments of society, making allegations about them... What gives you the right to say such a thing? Who do you think you are? What are you trying to represent?
"This is an obvious attempt at sabotaging the unity of Turkey, and that we can never accept or approve.
"I've talked with the Justice Ministry about this. Due legal action will be taken. As far as I'm aware, the TV channel has also taken the necessary steps against this person.
"This isn't something we can ignore because it's direct provocation based on hatred and hostility."
Prosecutors launch investigation
CLICK TO READ - Criminal Complaint by CHP's Erdem Against Akit TV
People's Republican Party (CHP) Istanbul MP Eren Erdem and İYİ Parti (Good Party) had filed criminal complaints against Keser after his remarks.
Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the matter for "provoking the public to hatred and hostility, or defamation".
The Office have called in the suspects to testify. (EKN/PU)