Investigation launched into reporter, interviewee over latter's criticism of ruling AKP
Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into a reporter and an interviewee over the latter's criticism of the ruling AKP. The investigation concerns the anonymous citizen's remarks when he was asked to comment on the resignation of former Finance and Treasury Minister Berat Albayrak, who is also President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's son-in-law. “His [Albyarak's] decision is very to the point. They were a family company,” the citizen says in the video.
Duvar English
Turkish authorities have launched an investigation against the owner of a YouTube channel called “Kendine Muhabir” (The Self Reporter), which broadcasts street interviews on social media, and a citizen over the latter's criticism of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The YouTuber and the citizen were both called in to testify at the police directorate, daily Birgün reported on Nov. 10.
The investigation concerns the anonymous citizen's remarks when he was asked to comment on the resignation of former Finance and Treasury Minister Berat Albayrak, who is also President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's son-in-law.
“His [Albyarak's] decision is very to the point. They were a family company. His father is the president, the son-in-law is the finance minister. His father-in-law must have been behind his decision. First of all, dictatorship needs to leave this country. [Libya's Muammar] Gaddafi had come to the power 40 years ago with a revolution, but died on the streets being dragged away. [Iraq's Saddam] Hussein came to the power with dictatorship; he also died being dragged away on the streets. This person will also be dragged away on the streets,” the citizen is heard saying in the video.
TheYouTuber announced on social media that he was called in to testifyfor his interview of the citizen.
“Who would be disturbed about people being handed the microphone, about hearing citizens' ideas and opinions (be it right or wrong), and why?” the YouTuber wrote on Twitter.
Asked if he had any idea about what happened to the interviewed citizen, the YouTuber wrote: “He is currently giving his testimony.”