TÜİK files defamation lawsuit against Ali Mahir Başarır

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has filed a lawsuit for 50,000 TL in non-pecuniary damages against CHP Group Deputy Chairman and Mersin MP Ali Mahir Başarır, alleging that his criticisms of the institution during a press conference at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) constituted defamation. During his press conference on July 3, Başarır had harshly criticized the inflation rates announced by TÜİK.

In his remarks, Başarır claimed that TÜİK was calculating inflation rates incorrectly, stating, "These rates are fake. TÜİK has become an institution that victimizes retirees and civil servants. There is a huge difference between the inflation on the street and the rates announced by TÜİK. According to ENAG's rates, there should have been a higher raise for pensions."

TÜİK'S GROUNDS FOR THE LAWSUIT

In the petition submitted to the court, TÜİK stated that Başarır's words were uttered intentionally and without regard for the public interest. The institution argued that these statements constituted a severe attack on the personal rights of TÜİK and its employees, and therefore requested compensation.

REACTION FROM BAŞARIR

In a statement regarding the lawsuit, Ali Mahir Başarır alleged that TÜİK does not present economic data transparently and misleads the public. Başarır said, "TÜİK victimizes millions of people by calculating inflation rates incorrectly. For this reason, those who mislead the public must be held accountable to our nation." Başarır further expressed that the inflation rates announced by TÜİK do not align with the realities on the street and that this situation creates suspicion among the public.