Rector protest at METU graduation: Students turn their backs to the stage, Athena also faces backlash

Middle East Technical University's 70th-anniversary graduation ceremony was marked by protests held at the Devrim Stadium. Students expressed their reaction during the ceremony toward Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, who was appointed as the METU Rector by presidential decree in 2024.

During the rector's speech at the ceremony, students were seen lifting their chairs and turning their backs to the stage. It was reported that whistling and booing erupted from the stands and that the protest continued throughout the speech.

''ATHENA FACED BACKLASH''

The band Athena, which performed at the graduation program, also faced backlash from the students. It was stated that the reaction rose after the band's lead singer, Gökhan Özoğuz, had his photo taken with Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil before the ceremony.

When Athena took the stage, some students booed Özoğuz. It was noted that Özoğuz did not initially understand the reason for the reaction and asked his brother, Hakan Özoğuz, about the situation; Hakan Özoğuz reportedly replied, "I will explain it to you in the back."

No joint statement was made by the students regarding the reason for the protest. However, it was suggested that Özoğuz's previous remarks regarding the imprisoned METU graduate comedian Deniz Göktaş also played a role in the reaction.

On stage, Özoğuz stated that he had re-evaluated his approach regarding Göktaş. Stating that he had misunderstood the joke when he first heard it, Özoğuz expressed that he realized it was satire when he watched the rest of the show.

In his statement on stage, Gökhan Özoğuz said, "No one should be arrested because of their jokes."

In previous graduation ceremonies, METU students had also shown their reactions to rector appointments and university administration through back-turning protests and banners carried during the cortege.

News Source: 12punto