Surprise support for Mehmet Akif Ersoy: 'One should not pile on those who have fallen'

Habertürk TV Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy has been detained as part of a "narcotics investigation" conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. While details of the investigation have not been disclosed, it was stated that processing at the police station is ongoing.

AKDEMİR CRITICIZES THE "ATTACK"

Evaluating the reactions that began on social media following the news of the detention, journalist Hasan Basri Akdemir noted that opposition circles were directing criticism at Ersoy by referencing his past broadcasts. Akdemir stated, "An attack has now begun from the opposition front against Mehmet Akif Ersoy, saying, 'You said this in your previous broadcasts.'"

"IS OUR JOB TO PILE ON?"

Drawing attention to the ongoing investigation in his statement, Akdemir said, "The situation he is currently in and the accusations are truly very bad. But is our job to pile on those who have fallen?"

Stating that if Ersoy has made a mistake, it will emerge during the judicial process, Akdemir added, "If he has made a mistake, the decision will inevitably be made before the judiciary, and he will serve his sentence."

"FRIENDSHIPS SHOULD NOT BE SUPERFICIAL"

Continuing his remarks regarding the reactions toward Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Akdemir commented on friendships, saying, "It seems that friendships and camaraderie are all lies. They are all superficial."

Here is that statement...

"An attack has now begun from the opposition front against Mehmet Akif Ersoy, saying, 'You said this in your previous broadcasts.'

Some figures from the pro-government media—those who haven't been able to open their mouths until today but have secretly resented him—have also started to strike.

The situation he is currently in and the accusations are truly very bad. But is our job to pile on those who have fallen?

If he has made a mistake, the decision will inevitably be made before the judiciary, and he will serve his sentence. It is unacceptable for him to be left alone with allegations that shouldn't even be associated with his name. The reason I say this is the sadness caused by seeing the name of a friend I have known for years—and I have certainly never witnessed such a thing—mentioned in this way.

Will those we consider friends and companions immediately reveal their professional and political engagements and strike like this when something happens?

I am saying this independently of Mehmet Akif Ersoy. Because recently, many journalists have come to the public agenda in a negative way for various reasons. Generally, similar attitudes have been displayed toward everyone.

Just yesterday, I called a journalist friend of mine; he was acquitted in a case that had been ongoing for nine years. Yet, he had remained unemployed for many years because that case was filed against him. Years have passed, and perhaps no one remembers the lynching they subjected him to, but he has now been acquitted.

It seems that friendships and camaraderie are all lies. They are all superficial."

News Source: 12punto