11.08.2026 22:40
Journalist Ertuğrul Özkök responded to the criticisms directed at him, drawing attention to them. Özkök, who said he was not offended by the words "turncoat" and "spineless," argued that the spine serves to bend and flex rather than to stand upright.
Journalist Ertuğrul Özkök responded to the "turncoat" and "spineless" criticisms directed at him during a YouTube program he attended. Stating that he was criticized for his broadcasts in different periods in the past, Özkök said he was not bothered by the expressions used against him.
"THERE ARE TWO WORDS THAT DON'T OFFEND ME WHEN SAID TO ME: TURNCOAT AND SPINELESS"
Özkök said, "There are two words that don't offend me when said to me: turncoat and spineless."
Özkök argued that the characterization of "spineless" is used with a wrong meaning, stating that the spine is not a structure that only serves to stand upright.
The journalist said, "I am a vertebrate, but everyone thinks the spine is an organ created to stand upright. The main function of the spine is to bend, flex, and move. If it were a rigid organ, you would die."
HE HAD GIVEN A STATEMENT IN THE "INSULT TO THE PRESIDENT" INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, an ex officio investigation had been launched against Özkök by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of "insulting the President" due to his statements in a program broadcast on social media.
Özkök, who gave a statement to the prosecutor's office within the scope of the investigation, stated in his statement at the courthouse that he did not accept the accusation, saying, "Insulting the President is something that would never even cross my mind."
Stating that he answered the prosecutor's questions, Özkök said, "The prosecutor's office asked its questions, we gave our statement, and left. From now on, our prosecutor will make the evaluation."
Özkök stated that the investigation had been referred to the judicial authorities and said that the prosecutor's office would make the subsequent evaluation.