'Brave son of Ankara' remark caused a stir: Supreme Court Chief Prosecutor targeted by pro-government media speaks out

The 45th Traditional Aluçdağ Oil Wrestling Festival, held in the Çamlıdere district of Ankara, became the scene of an unexpected controversy. Chief Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation Muhsin Şentürk attended the festival, which was hosted by the municipality and the district governor's office and supported by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.

Delivering a brief speech at the festival, Şentürk thanked Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş for his contributions to the organization and used the phrase "the brave son of Ankara." However, these words led to him being targeted by pro-government media.

REACTION POURED IN FROM PRO-GOVERNMENT MEDIA

While Şentürk's speech quickly became a trending topic on social media, criticisms followed one after another from journalists close to the government. Sabah newspaper columnist Zafer Şahin targeted Şentürk with harsh words, while Fuat Uğur from Türkiye newspaper expressed his reaction in similar language.

In circles close to the government front, a member of the judiciary using words of praise for a mayor from an opposition party was interpreted as a "political message." In particular, the description of "brave son" was criticized on the grounds that it cast a shadow over Şentürk's impartiality.

"MY SPEECH WAS DISTORTED, I GAVE A MESSAGE OF UNITY"

Breaking his silence following the reactions, Chief Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation Muhsin Şentürk stated that his speech was taken out of context and reflected incorrectly. According to a report by Sontv based on sources within the Court of Cassation, Şentürk made the following remarks in an assessment to his inner circle:

"My speech was a message of fellowship and unity. As a fellow citizen born in Çamlıdere, I thanked Mr. Mansur for his contributions to our festival. It is extremely wrong for these words to be politicized."