Ministry of National Defense to file criminal complaints against those using Brigadier General Yılmaz's photo

Retired Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, who was retired after it was revealed that he had engaged in human smuggling from Syria to Turkey using his official vehicle, was arrested following his detention.

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated that it has been determined that the photograph of Brigadier General Esat Mahmut Yılmaz, the Director General of Legal Services, was used on social media—particularly by FETÖ-affiliated accounts and certain media outlets—as that of retired Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, who was implicated in human smuggling in Şanlıurfa and subsequently arrested. The Ministry announced that all necessary legal processes will be initiated in this regard.

In the statement released by the Ministry, which included Brigadier General Yılmaz's photograph, the following was noted:

"It has been determined that the photograph below of MSB Director General of Legal Services Brigadier General Esat Mahmut Yılmaz has been used on social media, particularly by FETÖ-affiliated accounts and certain media outlets, as that of retired Brigadier General Bilal Çokay, who was implicated in human smuggling in Şanlıurfa and arrested.

All legal processes, including the filing of criminal complaints, are being and will continue to be initiated against the social media accounts and media outlets that used the photograph. It is important for our public to be cautious regarding such posts and publications that aim to mislead the public and constitute character assassination."

MSB Hukuk Hizmetleri Genel Müdürü Tuğgeneral Esat Mahmut Yılmaz’ın aşağıdaki fotoğrafının sosyal medyada özellikle FETÖ’cü hesaplar ve bazı basın-yayın organları tarafından, Şanlıurfa’da adı insan kaçakçılığına karışan ve tutuklanan Emekli Tuğgeneral Bilal Çokay olarak… pic.twitter.com/N6AtSF4xoq

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) July 5, 2024

News Source: AA