Statement from Binali Yıldırım, who laughed at Rahmi Koç's joke that sparked an investigation: 'I laughed without understanding what he said'
As the controversy surrounding the joke told by businessman Rahmi Koç continues, Binali Yıldırım, who was present at the ceremony and laughed at the joke, has issued a statement.
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Former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has made a statement regarding the footage showing him laughing at Rahmi Koç's joke about Kurdish women, which drew backlash. Yıldırım said, "I didn't understand what he was saying there. When those around me laughed, I laughed out of courtesy."
"I WOULD NEVER CONDONE DISRESPECT"
While it was stated that Rahmi Koç, against whom an investigation has been launched, has issued a public apology, Binali Yıldırım has also broken his silence on the matter.
According to information reported by Haberler.com News Director Olgun Kızıltepe, Yıldırım stated in his assessment to his close circle, "I didn't understand what he was saying there. When those around me laughed, I laughed out of courtesy. I would never condone any disrespect shown to our Kurdish citizens."
16 BAR ASSOCIATIONS FILED A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST KOÇ
Meanwhile, in a joint statement issued by the bar associations of Adıyaman, Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Tunceli, and Van, it was stated that Rahmi Koç's remarks targeting Kurdish women were unacceptable. It was reported that the bar associations have filed a criminal complaint regarding the incident.