Turkish prosecutors launch investigation into professor for branding universities as 'brothels'
Istanbul prosecutors have launched an investigation into Prof. Ebubekir Sofuoğlu, after the academic said that colleges in Turkey are "basically brothels" on Islamist broadcaster Akit TV on Dec. 15. The professor's words sparked outrage, even among the ruling AKP ranks, and became the topic of an official complaint to Turkey's media watchdog. Sakarya University also announced that it will launch an internal investigation into Sofuoğlu.
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Istanbul prosecutors on Dec. 17 launched an investigation into Prof. Ebubekir Sofuoğlu after the academic said that universities in Turkey have turned into brothels.
Sofuoğlu is facing charges of "explicitly insulting a fraction of society, based on social class, race, religion, sect, gender or regional differences," state-run Anadolu Agency said.
"Our president also thinks this. They're basically brothels," Sofuoğlu said on Islamist broadcaster Akit TV on Dec. 15, where he also called the youth of Generation Z "hedonists."
Sofuoğlu's rhetoric sparked widespread outrage from all levels of society, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). AKP Sakarya Deputy Ali İhsan Yavuz noted that the professor's including the president in his statement was inaccurate.
"Mister Sofuoğlu's inclusion of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in his rhetoric is unfortunate. Our president hasn't made any statement like what we heard," Yavuz said.
Sakarya University also announced that it will launch an internal investigation into Sofuoğlu.
Meanwhile, Radio and Television High Council (RTÜK) member İlhan Taşçı made an official complaint about Sofuoğlu's comments, which the councilman noted incited 'hatred and violence', and qualify as 'insults'.