02.09.2026 00:00
Journalist Kemal Öztürk, against whom the Samandağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation due to his remarks on a television program, gave a statement at the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse. Speaking after his statement, Öztürk rejected allegations of inciting massacre, stating that his words were distorted. Emphasizing that he has never advocated violence in his 30-year professional career, Öztürk apologized to offended Alevi and Nusayri citizens, while saying the real target is to undermine the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process.
Journalist Kemal Öztürk, against whom an investigation was launched by the Samandağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office due to his statements made on a television program, gave a statement. Öztürk went to the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and made statements to the prosecutor's office within the scope of the investigation.
“I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE LINE OF SENTENCE ADVOCATING VIOLENCE”
Making a statement on his social media account after the statement process, Öztürk stated that throughout his 30-year journalism career, he has never advocated violence and has not used expressions that incite the public to hatred and hostility.
Öztürk said that in his speech on the aforementioned television program, he explained that the Syrian state acted with common sense against those who want violence and conflict.
Arguing that his words were distorted by some circles, Öztürk said in his statement, "If there are well-intentioned Alevi and Nusayri brothers who misunderstood the situation, were saddened, or had their traumas triggered, I also apologized to them."
Öztürk stated that he rejected the allegations that he "called for massacre" and left the courthouse.
“THE REAL TARGET IS A TERROR-FREE TÜRKİYE AND A TERROR-FREE REGION”
Öztürk, who argued that the investigation is not directed at him and that the real target is to undermine the "Terror-Free Türkiye and Terror-Free Region" process, said he would continue to support these processes.
Öztürk said, "I want it to be especially known that I will work to defend the process of a Strong Türkiye, a terror-free Türkiye, and a terror-free region with even more determination and willingness."