TRT presenter leaves the stage, insults director: 'Dishonorable', 'Degenerate', 'Stateless terrorists'

The 'From Captivity to Courage Film Festival' awards ceremony held in Ankara became the scene of a crisis following the interruption of young director Ecre Begüm Bayrak's speech by TRT presenter Oya Eren Özkan and the subsequent events. 

INTERVENTION AFTER MENTIONING IMPRISONED STUDENTS AND GRUP YORUM

24-year-old director Ecre Begüm Bayrak, who won the 'Best Fiction Film' award at the festival for her work titled 'Wolves', drew attention to freedom of expression in her acceptance speech by mentioning imprisoned students and Grup Yorum. However, her remarks were interrupted by the ceremony's host, TRT presenter Oya Eren Özkan, who stated, 'Let's not give political messages'.

'I CANNOT CONTINUE TO PRESENT UNDER THESE CONDITIONS,' SHE SAID, AND LEFT THE STAGE

Following Bayrak's speech, Özkan dropped the microphone and said, 'I cannot continue to present under these conditions, I will not continue the presentation'. As she was leaving the stage, she insulted those around her with expressions such as 'Dishonorable', 'Degenerate', and 'Stateless terrorists'.

CONDEMNATION FROM THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Following the incident, the festival committee issued a written statement condemning what had occurred. The statement included the following remarks:

"At the awards ceremony held on the night of May 30, Ecre Begüm Bayrak, who received the Best Fiction Film award, was subjected to a personal, excessive, and unfair intervention on stage. The director was personally invited for the film screening and the award. This intervention is not related to the festival management or the supporting institutions. We announce to the public that such reactions toward artists are unacceptable."

The committee emphasized that the artist's freedom to express their views is inherent to the nature of art.

In a statement, director Ecre Begüm Bayrak alleged that she was subjected to a verbal attack after leaving the stage, that doors were locked, and that physical intervention occurred. Bayrak expressed her feelings as follows:

"It was my most natural right to mention the censorship against Grup Yorum. I was interrupted on stage, and afterwards, I was subjected to insults and threats. I do not accept this attack. It is very sad that art and the artist are being silenced. I am very angry, but even more determined."

DEFENSE FROM TRT ANNOUNCER: 'I WILL FILE DEFAMATION LAWSUITS'

Following the growing backlash, TRT announcer Oya Eren Özkan made a statement on social media. She announced that she would file her own lawsuits in response to any defamation cases brought against her following the incident. She stated that she would donate any compensation she wins to the Mehmetçik Foundation.

HER HUSBAND ALSO INTERVENED

Oya Eren Özkan's husband, Alparslan Özkan, also supported his wife through a social media post. In his post, he stated, 'This reaction is directed at fake patriots who try to marginalize Turkish youth through the DHKP-C.'

News Source : 12punto