Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a verdict of non-prosecution of Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, who targeted Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu with the words, “dishonoured,” “sly,” “shameless,” “imposter.” Soylu targeted Kılıçdaroğlu after his expressions on the allegations that President Erdoğan and his relatives have made continuous money transactions to the Isle of Man, also known as the “tax heaven,” and threatened Kılıçdaroğlu with the words, “he will pay for it.” The Prosecutor’s Office claimed that Soylu’s expressions are within freedom of expression and criticism.
Thousands of people, from MPs to journalists and social media users, are suspects/defendants due to “insulting Erdoğan” in Turkey with the slightest criticism against the government and public institutions considered as criminal evidence. When the investigated expressions belonged to the Minister of the Interior, the Prosecutor’s Office remembered the scope of freedom of expression.
22.11.2018
hurriyet.com.tr