Fatih Portakal responds to criticism: 'I will not follow what is wrong'

Fatih Portakal, who was criticized for his comments on the Sözcü Main News Bulletin following the detention of journalists Barış Pehlivan, Serhan Asker, and Seda Selek, responded to the reactions directed at him on his YouTube channel. Targeted by many segments, including Halk TV, Portakal stated that he defends the truth and will not follow what is wrong.

''MY BEST FRIEND IS TRUTH''

In the face of criticism, Portakal drew attention by sharing Plato's quote: "My best friend is truth and Socrates. If I have to choose between the two, my choice would be in favor of truth."

Stating that citizens are more interested in the tabloid aspect of events, Portakal said, "In politics and other matters, the tabloid side of the issue is more curious. However, I will not stop saying what I know to be true."

''I WILL NOT FOLLOW WHAT IS WRONG''

Stating that he understands those who criticize him, Portakal said, "We are divided like a watermelon. Even if something is wrong, it is supported just because it is on the same side. But I will not follow what is wrong. If I do that, I cannot find the truth."

Responding with a laugh to a viewer's comment, "You've secured an embassy post," Portakal said, "It is important how much knowledge we have." To another viewer's reaction, "Have they bought you too?", he replied, "This is also an interesting approach."

''WE HAVE A JOINT CASE'' 

Reminding that he has a joint case with Barış Pehlivan and Barış Terkoğlu, Fatih Portakal said, "We have a hearing on May 29. They wrote it, I announced it. A lawsuit was filed against us due to the book 'Cendere'. I know that one of those who filed the complaint is one of President Erdoğan's lawyers."

Emphasizing that he knows Pehlivan and Terkoğlu closely, Portakal said, "Both are good journalists. I can say they are better journalists than me. But I also find myself good in television journalism. Sustainability is important to me. I worked at FOX for 11 years and received a penalty only once. RTÜK opened many investigations, but they all returned."

''A CRIME UNDER THE TCK''

Portakal also shared his views on the incident that led to the detention of Pehlivan and Asker. "The reason they appeared before the prosecutor is for recording someone's speech without permission, broadcasting it, and targeting them. These are considered crimes under the Turkish Penal Code. There is a concept called 'off the record'. This is valid in press professional rules. I was also surprised when I watched these images. I said, 'How did Halk TV broadcast this?' and I criticized it," he said.

Stating that he does not find the manner of detention correct, Portakal said, "You don't necessarily have to take them from the channel under police supervision. You call them, they come. There was no need to take them with the help of the police."

''SOME REACTED WITHOUT KNOWING''

Expressing that he understands the criticisms directed at him, Portakal said, "Some reacted without knowing the full subject, just out of their sadness. I understand them too, but I want to do independent broadcasting. I am someone the opposing side does not like. I am moving on my own path and I prefer the third way."