Prominent Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli was detained on Saturday at his home in Istanbul for comments he made addressed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his personal YouTube channel, the Turkish English-language publication “Türkiye Today“ of the "İhlyas" media group reported, BTA reported.
Altayli was taken into custody on the orders of the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office as part of an official investigation. Sources from the security services reported that the investigation was launched in connection with alleged threats made to the president.
Altayli is a long-time columnist and former TV presenter. He is known for his critical comments on Turkish politics and government policies.
In a statement to authorities, the journalist categorically denied that he had intended to threaten or insult the head of state, Türkiye Today also reported. Altayli stood by his words on his show, but stressed that he had not intended to threaten or insult. "I have always exercised my right to criticize, but I have never made threats," he said, quoted by Türkiye Today.
The journalist was commenting on a recent poll on support for a constitutional change that would allow 71-year-old Recep Tayyip Erdogan to remain president for life. Altayli noted that 70 percent of those polled were against it. Explaining his point of view, the journalist made a historical reference, stating: “This nation has never accepted unchecked power. Even during the Ottoman era, people criticized the sultans openly. Some sultans were even removed or met with tragic ends“, “Türkiye Tudey“ quoted Fatih Altayli as saying.
The journalist pointed out that these are historical facts that he has openly discussed with respected historians.
“I cannot be held responsible for misinterpreting historically accurate statements. In 45 years of journalism, I have never threatened anyone, including the President of Turkey“, Fatih Altayli stated.
The investigation against him is due to the following statement made on air: “In the past, this nation removed sultans that it no longer liked. There are numerous examples of deposed or removed rulers in the history of the Ottoman Empire.