The dismissal of Cemil Eroğlu, the father of Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu—the top graduate of the Military Academy who was expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) after taking an oath with swords at the graduation ceremony—has sparked public outcry.
As criticism against the institution mounted following the dismissal of Eroğlu, who had reportedly worked at the Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey for many years, on the grounds of "downsizing," it was stated that Cemil Eroğlu had received job offers from various other institutions.
Following the controversy, the Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey released a written public announcement. The institution stated that it was founded on November 6, 1923, upon the instructions of Atatürk, that it is an association working for the public benefit, and that it has been providing international travel documents since 1957 in its capacity as the FIA representative for Turkey.
The statement argued that a restructuring process had been underway at the institution for some time due to global and regional political and economic developments. In this context, it was reported that the employment contracts of 4 personnel, including Cemil Eroğlu, were terminated during the month of October.
“During the month of October, the employment contracts of 4 of our personnel, including Cemil Eroğlu, who had worked at our institution for 37 years and was retired, were terminated with all legal rights paid.”
The institution claimed that reports reflected in the public domain were "exploiting the conscience of society." The statement alleged that information regarding Cemil Eroğlu's title, age, and image had been distorted and presented to the public.
The Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey further announced that personnel at the institution are not evaluated based on kinship ties and that it would exercise its legal rights against publications it deemed to be "untrue."
News Source: 12punto
