08.02.2026 17:11
The Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Artificial Intelligence Research Commission and AK Party Eskişehir Deputy Fatih Dönmez reacted to a social media post targeting Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş based on her clothing. Dönmez stated, "Targeting a woman because of her beliefs, identity, and stance is actually revealing one's own helplessness. Our Mayor Zeynep Güneş is not alone. The will of the nation, women's dignity, and ethical politics stand against this insolence."
Many groups reacted to the social media post targeting Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş in Eskişehir.
Fatih Dönmez, the Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Research Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and AK Party Eskişehir Deputy, stated in a written statement on social media that he strongly condemned the ugly and disrespectful expressions directed at Mayor Güneş.
"THIS LANGUAGE IS A HATE SPEECH THAT DEVALUES WOMEN, DISREGARDS THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, AND DIVIDES SOCIETY"
Dönmez noted that trying to belittle a mayor based on her clothing, beliefs, and lifestyle is neither freedom of expression nor politics, stating, "This language is a hate speech that devalues women, disregards the will of the people, and divides society. Mayor Zeynep serves with the authority given by the Mihalgazi people at the ballot box. She is evaluated not by how she dresses but by how she serves her nation. This perspective, which looks down on women, labor, and hard work, is incompatible with democracy and humanity."
"OUR MAYOR ZEYNEP GÜNEŞ IS NOT ALONE"
Dönmez emphasized that it should not be forgotten that it is those who create space for women, not those who belittle them, that have made this country grow, stating, "Targeting a woman because of her faith, identity, and stance is actually revealing one's own helplessness. Our Mayor Zeynep Güneş is not alone. The will of the nation, women's dignity, and ethical politics stand against this disrespect."
WHAT HAPPENED?
A social media user with the username "MEKorkmazTR" targeted Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş based on her headscarf and local attire in Eskişehir. M.E.K. said: "Is this political Islamist woman in baggy pants supposed to manage the district, or is she supposed to milk cows in her barn? The poor thing must be confused about her place... At least my mother has a proper appearance and education!"
Reactions to the post were swift. Following the backlash, Korkmaz closed his social media account, while the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an ex officio investigation against the suspect for "inciting hatred and hostility in the public." Upon the instruction of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Provincial Police Department conducted research and determined that the account owner who made the post was M.E.K. The individual was taken into custody by the teams and was arrested and sent to prison.