Turkish professor gets away with mere ‘reprimand’ for branding universities as ‘brothels’

Duvar English

Sakarya University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al has said that Prof. Dr. Ebubekir Sofuoğu, from the History Department, has received a “reprimand” for referring to universities as “brothels,” according to reporting by the daily Birgün.

In 2020, on Islamist broadcaster Akit TV, Sofuoğlu said that universities in Turkey have turned into “brothels.” Sofuoğlu’s rhetoric sparked widespread outrage from all levels of society at the time, leading Sakarya University to launch an internal investigation against the professor.

This is not the only investigation Sofuoğlu is facing. He is also being investigated for praising ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP Zafer Işık’s 2020 physical attack against İYİ (Good) Party MP Hüseyin Örs which put the latter in intensive care.

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) MP Süleyman Bülbül filed a parliamentary question with regards to Sofuoğlu’s cases, asking if the professor had received any penalty for his remarks. Bülbül’s parliamentary question found an answer from Sakarya University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al who said that Sofuoğlu had received a “reprimand” over his remarks about the Turkish universities. 

The rector also said that the university has not finalized its investigation with regards to Sofuoğlu’s praise of AKP MP Zafer Işık for punching İYİ Party MP Hüseyin in parliament.  

Bülbül slammed the university management saying that Turkish universities are keen on punishing students but not taking any actions when it comes to academics. “These decisions are unacceptable. The university management should immediately take an action and impose effective sanctions,” the CHP deputy said.