He was heavily criticized for his remarks targeting the Republic: First statement from Sırrı Sakık days later

DEM Party Ağrı MP Sırrı Sakık, who sparked controversy due to the words he used regarding Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, has clarified the matter. In a phone conversation with TELE 1 Editor-in-Chief Merdan Yanardağ, Sakık stated that he was not targeting those who say "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal."

Sırrı Sakık’s speech in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey had brought up allegations that he insulted Atatürk. 

In his statement to journalist Merdan Yanardağ, Sakık denied the debates claiming he used the phrase "the dogs of Mustafa Kemal," saying, "I only said those words for those who attacked our party buildings." Sakık emphasized that this expression, which he stated was "used against attackers," was not directed at Atatürk’s soldiers or Kemalists. Furthermore, noting that these words were also confirmed by the court, he said, "The court accepted that these expressions were used only for the attackers."

COURT DECISIONS AND TRIALS

Sakık also touched upon the lawsuits filed following the remarks in question. Stating that he was acquitted in the first case, Sakık expressed that he received a conviction regarding another case due to charges of insulting police officers and public officials. However, Sakık argued that these charges also had no direct connection to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Sakık added the phrase, "My respect for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is infinite." 

News Source: 12punto