New footage emerges in Yeditepe University banner controversy

In the recordings shared on social media, it is clearly seen that the graduate, Mustafa Malo, who carried the banner reading "Be upright as you are commanded," did not let go of the banner at any point during the ceremony, which lasted approximately six minutes. The footage shows that there was no obstruction or physical intervention directed at the student.

However, following the incident, Mustafa Malo targeted the university administration, claiming that his banner was intentionally made invisible.

COMPARISONS DRAWN TO THE KABATAŞ CONTROVERSY

The discussions have recalled the Kabataş incident, which remains in the public memory. During the Gezi Park protests, claims that a veiled woman was attacked by a group in Istanbul's Kabataş district were refuted by security camera footage that later emerged. At the time, the claims, frequently brought up by then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, alleged that a large group of people had attacked and insulted the woman. However, it was later understood from footage broadcast on Kanal D that no such attack or extraordinary situation had occurred.

Similarly, while claims that the banner was "obstructed" initially circulated on social media regarding the Yeditepe University ceremony, the newly shared recordings revealed that the banner was clearly displayed throughout the event.

UNIVERSITY AND YÖK INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT

In a statement following the incident, the Yeditepe University administration stated that there was no institutional obstruction to the display of the banner containing a verse from the Quran. Initial assessments indicated that the tension was directed at the student carrying the banner rather than the verse itself, and it was announced that an administrative investigation had been launched.

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has also become involved in the matter. A statement from YÖK said, "An investigation has been initiated by the Council of Higher Education regarding the events that took place during the Yeditepe University Faculty of Law Graduation Ceremony and were reflected in the public domain."

With these developments, various claims and footage regarding the controversial banner incident continue to find wide resonance on social media.

News Source: 12punto