'Kutlu Doğum Haftası' (Blessed Birth Week) sparks crisis: AKP event taken to court

An event invitation organized by the AKP District Presidency in the Erdemli district of Mersin has caused a major stir on social media. The use of the phrase 'Kutlu Doğum Haftası'—which was previously banned due to its association with FETÖ—became the focus of criticism, specifically on the grounds that the phrase is linked to the leader of FETÖ.

According to a report by Oda TV, the phrase 'Kutlu Doğum Haftası' had been removed from use because it was previously associated with the leader of FETÖ. For this reason, the inclusion of the same phrase in the event invitation sparked reactions on social media. Many argued that the continued use of this phrase serves the purpose of conducting FETÖ propaganda.

PHRASE CHANGED

Following the backlash, the AKP Erdemli District Presidency updated the invitation graphic, changing the phrase 'Kutlu Doğum Haftası' to 'Mevlid-i Nebi Haftası' (Prophet's Birthday Week). However, the change did not prevent the incident from being taken to the judiciary.

INVITATION CRISIS TAKEN TO COURT

The invitation crisis led to a criminal complaint being filed with the Erdemli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Mersin. A citizen filed the complaint, stating that the use of the phrase 'Kutlu Doğum Haftası' is contrary to the state's sensitivities regarding the fight against terrorism. The petition included the following statements:

"The announcement of the program, which was declared to be held on April 24, as a 'Kutlu Doğum Haftası' program has been evaluated as a way to embed the FETÖ terrorist organization into the subconscious. This phrase continues to be instilled among the public for the purpose of conducting FETÖ propaganda. This post is openly propaganda for a terrorist organization. The commission of a crime is established."

News Source: 12punto