The Ministry of Interior has cancelled the protection order for television commentator Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı. Kütahyalı, who had been under state protection since 2008, no longer has the right to personal protection following a decision by the Central Protection Commission, which operates under the General Directorate of Security. The commission was chaired by Deputy Minister of Interior Münir Karaloğlu, who is responsible for the police force.
REMARKS ON TRUSTEES HAD SPARKED CONTROVERSY
Kütahyalı had previously stated in a television program, "I have been a protected person since 2008; I have never seen a police officer carrying tape in their pocket." These remarks were met with public backlash, leading to questions regarding the justification for his state protection.
Following his claims that a trustee would be appointed to the CHP, an investigation was launched against Kütahyalı for "publicly disseminating misleading information." He was detained on May 17 and subsequently released under judicial control, with a travel ban and a requirement to report to authorities.
DECISION REACHED
According to T24 columnist Tolga Şardan, the revocation of Kütahyalı's protection order followed this investigation. The Central Protection Commission determined that there was no longer a need for protection measures, citing a change in his security status.
News Source: 12punto
