Atatürk post drew backlash: Belgian minister shares new photo

A social media post by Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, who came to Turkey for the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara, sparked controversy. Francken, who shared a photo of himself taken in a room featuring the Turkish flag and a portrait of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, removed the post following the backlash. The Belgian minister published an apology message in a new post after the summit.

PHOTO IN FRONT OF ATATÜRK PORTRAIT DREW BACKLASH

During his contacts in Ankara, Theo Francken had shared a photo of himself taken in a room with an Atatürk portrait and the Turkish flag on his social media account with the note, "Hello again, my beautiful Turkey and my ancient friend Mustafa Kemal Atatürk."

Following the post, Francken's posture drew criticism from some social media users. 

HE DELETED HIS POST

Following the growing criticism on social media, the Belgian minister removed the post in question from his account. 

THIS TIME HE SHARED A PHOTO STANDING

Making a new post before leaving Turkey after the conclusion of the NATO Summit, Francken this time published a photo of himself standing in a suit in front of the Atatürk portrait.

In his new post, Francken stated that his previous photo was perceived by some as disrespectful and expressed that he had no such intention.

HE APOLOGIZED TO THE TURKISH PEOPLE

In his statement, the Belgian minister emphasized that his respect for Turkey and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is absolute. Stating that he removed his first post, which caused a misunderstanding, for this reason, Francken apologized, expressing that he had no intention of hurting the Turkish people.

News Source: 12punto