Cem Köksal, the CEO of Zorlu Holding, has been detained.

01.03.2025 22:31

Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal was detained as part of an investigation initiated by the prosecutor's office in response to a Ramadan message sent by Vestel CEO Ergün Güler to the company's employees.

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Vestel CEO Ergün Güler reacted to the company employees due to the month of Ramadan. Bekir Cem Köksal, the CEO of Zorlu Holding, which the institution is affiliated with, reacted harshly to Güler due to the Ramadan message. Köksal, who emailed Güler, said, "We have a stance independent of religion," and the incident caused an uproar on social media.

ZORLU CEO ARRESTED

Following the reactions, the prosecutor's office took action. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an ex officio investigation against Köksal for obstructing the freedom of belief, thought, and opinion.

VESTEL CEO'S RAMADAN MESSAGE CAUSED A CRISIS

Vestel CEO Güler used the following expressions in his Ramadan greeting message: "Dear Family; We are experiencing the happiness of reaching the month of Ramadan, which brings unity, togetherness, and friendship into our lives. I hope this beautiful month, which strengthens human relationships and revives hopes, brings peace, brotherhood, and happiness to our country, the world, and you, the valuable members of the Vestel family. As Hz. Mevlana said in the Masnavi: 'Ramadan is a month bestowed by Allah as a month of blessing, service, and closeness to the Creator. It is also the month in which Allah bends down to man due to his self-discipline and rewards him.' I embrace you all with love and wish you a peaceful Ramadan month with your families," he stated.

HARSH WARNING FROM ZORLU CEO

The holding CEO Cem Köksal responded to Güler's message on a platform visible to all employees, stating, "Ergün, Ramadan is not on our list of days to be celebrated as a corporation. The only religious holidays are Sugar and Sacrifice Festivals. There has been no Ramadan celebration in the 70-year history of this group. As a company, we have a stance independent of religion," he said. Reminding that he had previously warned Güler, Köksal added, "Please let this not happen again."