Turkey’s Erdogan moves to sue French Le Point magazine

Last updated: 26th October 2019 5:26 pm

1 Min Read

ANKARA, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 21: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY MANDATORY CREDIT - "TURKISH PRESIDENCY / MURAT CETINMUHURDAR / HANDOUT" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during 48th Mukhtars Meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on November 21, 2018. Turkish Presidency / Murat Cetinmuhurdar / Handout / Anadolu Agency

By The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s state-run news agency says lawyers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have filed a criminal complaint against French magazine Le Point journalists for allegedly insulting him.

Anadolu Agency said Friday the criminal complaint was filed against editor-in-chief Etienne Gernelle and journalist Romain Gubert at a Turkish court.

In its cover page headline, Le Point called Erdogan “The Eradicator” in relation to Turkey’s military offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria. The front page also read: “ethnic cleansing, Erdogan’s method.”

Insulting the president is a crime in Turkey. Erdogan has filed thousands of complaints against journalists, politicians, students and others for comments deemed to be insults.

In 2016, Erdogan sued a German comedian over a satirical poem, leading to diplomatic tensions with Germany and debate on freedom of speech.

Share This Article

By News About Turkey - NAT

Follow:

Founded by a small group of Turkish/Kurdish scholars who have been subjected to persecution at the hands of the Erdogan dictatorship, News About Turkey (NAT) has emerged as a platform that is both exceptional and invaluable. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the events and developments in Turkey (Türkiye), a country with profound historical and geopolitical importance, a vibrant culture, and a strategic location. Our founders, who have been purged by the Erdogan regime after the so-called coup attempt, are aware of the significance of journalism that is both free and independent. Because of this understanding, we are committed to providing reporting and analysis that is both objective and comprehensive. To give you the most thorough coverage of Turkey, we go further than just scratching the surface. Keep in touch with us so that you can have a better understanding of Turkey's developing story as well as vital and comprehensive news items. Whether you are a resident of Turkey, a member of the Turkish/Kurdish diaspora, or simply someone who has a strong interest in this vital country, we are the most reliable source for news that not only informs but also inspires and engages you.