06.06.2026 19:11
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli made a statement regarding businessman Rahmi Koç, who drew criticism for telling a "Kurdish woman joke" at a hospital opening in Izmir. Bahçeli said, "It is wrong to launch an investigation against Rahmi Koç over a joke he made in a sincere conversation. We do not find it right to target a valuable businessman who, with his family upbringing and stance throughout his 95-year life, has shown a desire to serve Turkey, with unacceptable terms."
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli supported businessman Rahmi Koç, who drew reactions due to a joke he told at a hospital opening in Izmir. In a written statement, Bahçeli stated that he did not find it right to launch an investigation into Koç.
BAHÇELI REACTS TO INVESTIGATION INTO RAHMI KOÇ
Expressing that the incident was a sincere joke made in a friendly conversation, Bahçeli said, "We do not find it right to target a valuable businessman, who has served Turkey with his family upbringing and stance throughout his 95-year life, with unacceptable terms."
Bahçeli stated in his statement: "The Koç Group has undertaken important responsibilities in our country's development drive for 100 years. In addition to its esteemed investments contributing to employment, it has always acted with a responsible understanding in embracing Turkey's national goals and achieving a high level for our Republic."
"LAUNCHING AN INVESTIGATION OVER A JOKE IS WRONG"
"Exactly during the period when they successfully and magnificently celebrated their 100th anniversary, launching an investigation into Mr. Rahmi Koç over a sincere joke he made in a friendly conversation at a hospital opening in Izmir, which also belongs to the same group, is wrong."
"WE DO NOT FIND IT RIGHT TO TARGET HIM WITH UNACCEPTABLE TERMS"
"We do not find it right to target a valuable businessman, who has served Turkey with his family upbringing and stance throughout his 95-year life, with unacceptable terms."