AKP mayor opens Burger King: Here is how he responded to Israel criticisms

The world-famous fast food chain Burger King opened a new branch in Rize with the participation of AKP mayors and officials.

Academic Dr. Kemal Sağlam, who arrived in front of the branch an hour before the opening, was attacked by a large group of people after shouting "Down with Israel." Sağlam, who was taken to the emergency room for treatment, suffered a broken nose and a ruptured eardrum.

AKP's İyidere Mayor Saffet Mete, who attended the opening following the physical assault, spoke to Merve Şişman from Karar.

'IF I HAD EATEN FOOD, I WOULD HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING ISRAEL'

Stating that he only arrived for the ribbon-cutting and stayed for 10 minutes, Mete said, "There are also Israeli-origin products in supermarkets. In that case, let's not buy anything from supermarkets," and added the following:

"The owner of the business is a school friend of mine. He had come all the way to our municipality to invite me. We accepted the invitation. There are thousands of Burger Kings in Rize and in Turkey. I didn't eat any food there. If I had, I would have been supporting Israel. I didn't even stay for 10 minutes at the opening. I just happened to be there for the ribbon-cutting. A smear campaign is being organized against us. By giving our names to the media, they are throwing 3 mayors into the fire. There are also Israeli-origin products in supermarkets. In that case, let's not buy anything from supermarkets. There is a problem with the perspective here."