A video dating back around four and a half years, in which former Turkish prime minister and foreign minister Ahmet Davutoğlu criticises the government’s economic management, has resurfaced online. In the footage, he accuses the government of enriching relatives and associates while favouring a small group of contractors.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said some of the remarks may constitute an insult against the Turkish president and has opened a formal investigation.
Remarks under scrutiny
In the video, Davutoğlu says:
“I did not take a single penny of illicit money. I told them not to take illicit money either. They did. They enriched those around them, he made his son-in-law a minister and enriched his relatives. He sold Turkey out to five contractors. And then you tell me, ‘You are the teacher, remain silent’?”
He continues:
“Look, these people... If they had respected the rights of the people... If they had respected the rights of the people and had not taken the property of orphans, I would have respected their rights too. But they trampled on the rights of the people, and I told them the truth and what was right.”
Ankara prosecutors open investigation
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it launched an ex officio examination of the remarks after the video began circulating on social media.
Following the preliminary examination, prosecutors decided to open an investigation against Davutoğlu.
The prosecutor’s office said in a statement:
“The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an ex officio examination concerning posts circulated on social media platforms containing expressions assessed as constituting an insult against the president.
“As a result of the examination, an investigation was launched against Ahmet Davutoğlu, former leader of the Future Party, for the offence of ‘insulting the president’ under Article 299(1) of the Turkish Penal Code.
“The investigation is continuing thoroughly in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation.”
Source: AMNA
