Latest news with #Altayli
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Turkey journalist faces jail for Erdogan criticism
ISTANBUL: Turkish prosecutors are seeking at least five years in prison for political commentator Fatih Altayli, who faces charges of threatening President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The case, highlighted by rights group MLSA, stems from Altayli's remarks on his YouTube show, where he referenced historical Ottoman sultans who were assassinated or strangled while discussing public opposition to Erdogan's prolonged rule. Altayli, arrested on June 22 and held in provisional detention near Istanbul, hosts a popular daily show with 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and 2.8 million followers on X. Prosecutors allege his comments amounted to a 'threat of an attack on (Erdogan's) life,' as stated in the indictment submitted to the court. The journalist has denied the accusations, maintaining that his remarks provided 'elements of historical context' without any intent to threaten Erdogan. Prosecutors, however, argue that the video was widely disseminated, demonstrating 'intent to communicate.' Turkey ranks 159th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' press freedom index, trailing behind Pakistan and Venezuela. Erdogan, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014 before becoming president, is constitutionally barred from seeking a fourth term in 2028. However, speculation persists that he may pursue early elections or constitutional changes to extend his rule. - AFP
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Turkish journalist could face minimum 5 years prison for Erdogan comments
Find out what's new on ST website and app. ANKARA - Turkish prosecutors have prepared an indictment seeking a prison sentence of at least five years for independent journalist Fatih Altayli over comments he made about President Tayyip Erdogan's rule, state broadcaster TRT reported on Thursday. Altayli, who has more than 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, was jailed pending trial last month over the comments in a social media video about a poll that showed most Turks opposed Erdogan ruling for life. Altayli denied the charge, in a statement to the court before his arrest, and said his comments had been taken out of context and were part of a rhetorical, historical discussion. In the video, Altayli - referencing Ottoman history - said that Turks had "killed" or "drowned" rulers they no longer wanted in power. His remarks drew backlash from Erdogan aide Oktay Saral, who wrote on the X platform that Altayli's "water was boiling." The indictment accuses Altayli of "threatening the president," a charge that carries a minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction, TRT said. Altayli's arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on Turkish opposition figures in recent months, including the March detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main political rival. REUTERS
Los Angeles Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Turkish authorities arrest prominent journalist for allegedly threatening Erdogan
ISTANBUL — Turkish authorities formally arrested a prominent journalist on Sunday for allegedly threatening President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to state media. The arrest of Fatih Altayli, whose daily commentaries on YouTube attract hundreds of thousands of viewers, comes amid a widespread crackdown on the opposition. State-run Anadolu Agency said Altayli was questioned after his detention late Saturday over a comment he made following a recent poll that showed more than 70% of the public opposed a lifetime presidency for Erdogan, who has been in power for more than two decades. On his YouTube channel, Altayli said Friday he wasn't surprised by the result of the survey and that the Turkish people preferred checks on authority. 'Look at the history of this nation. ... This is a nation which strangled its sultan when they didn't like him or want him. There are quite a few Ottoman sultans who were assassinated, strangled, or whose deaths were made to look like suicide.' An investigation was immediately launched by the Istanbul Public Prosecutors' Office. During questioning, Altayli denied threatening the president, according to Halk TV's website. Officials from municipalities controlled by the main opposition Republican People's Party have faced waves of arrests this year, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained in March over allegations of corruption. Many consider the cases to be politically motivated, although Erdogan's government contends that the courts are impartial and free of political involvement.
22-06-2025
- Politics
Turkish authorities detain prominent journalist for allegedly threatening Erdogan
Istanbul -- Turkish authorities detained a prominent journalist for allegedly 'threatening' President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to state media. The detention of Fatih Altayli, whose daily commentaries on YouTube attract hundreds of thousands of viewers, comes amid a widespread crackdown on the opposition. State-run Anadolu Agency said he was questioned after his detention late Saturday over a comment he made following a recent poll that showed more than 70% of the public opposed a lifetime presidency for Erdogan, who has been in power for more than two decades. On his YouTube channel, Altayli said Friday he wasn't surprised by the result and that the Turkish people preferred checks on authority. 'Look at the history of this nation... this is a nation which has strangled its sultan when they didn't like him or want him. There are quite a few Ottoman sultans who were assassinated, strangled, or made to look like suicide.' An investigation was immediately launched by the Istanbul Public Prosecutors' Office. During questioning, Altayli denied threatening the president, according to Halk TV's website. It remains unclear whether Altayli has been released. Officials from municipalities controlled by the main opposition Republican People's Party have faced waves of arrests this year, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained in March over allegations of corruption.
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Turkish court arrests prominent journalist for allegedly threatening Erdogan, report says
ANKARA - A Turkish court arrested prominent independent journalist Fatih Altayli over comments on his social media allegedly threatening President Tayyip Erdogan, broadcaster NTV and others reported on Sunday. Altayli, who has more than 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, was detained on Saturday over comments in a video he posted on Friday in which he addressed a poll showing most Turks opposed Erdogan ruling for life. Altayli referenced Ottoman rulers, saying Turks had "killed" or "drowned" some they no longer wanted in power. Prosecutors in Istanbul later said the remarks "contained threats" against the president and launched an investigation. NTV said that in his defence to the court, Altayli denied threatening Erdogan, quoting him as saying that his remarks were taken out of context and made to appear like threats, even though they were simply part of rhetorical historical discussions. The development comes amid a series of detentions of opposition figures in recent months, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu - Erdogan's main political rival - in March. The main opposition CHP and some Western countries have called the crackdown a politicised move to eliminate electoral challenges to Erdogan. The government denies these claims, saying the judiciary and Turkey's courts are independent. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
