First reaction from the Palace to the fake diploma scandal: 'It's slander'

The fake e-signature and diploma scandal, which moved to the center of public attention following an indictment prepared by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, has become the focus of politics. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya shared the details of the operations regarding the investigation.

According to Yerlikaya's statement, simultaneous raids were carried out in 23 provinces on January 7, 2025, and in 16 provinces on May 23, 2025. A total of 197 suspects were detained. Of these individuals, 37 were arrested, while 150 were released under judicial control conditions.

HARSH WORDS FROM CHIEF PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR SARAL TO THE OPPOSITION

The first official comment from the Presidential side regarding the issue came from Chief Presidential Advisor Oktay Saral. In his statement, Saral criticized not the diploma scandal itself, but the opposition for bringing it up. 

"The 'fake diploma' rhetoric that the opposition has resorted to recently is a clear declaration of their desperation, lack of policy, and exhaustion," said Saral, accusing the opposition of "trying to create an agenda through gossip and slander."

THE NATION TRUSTS ITS STATE

In his statement, Saral expressed that the state is fighting against illegalities with all its resources and used the following words:

"While the nation's agenda is focused on jobs, bread, security, and stability, they are hoping for help from gossip, lies, and conspiracies. But there is one thing they forget: The nation trusts its state. Wherever there is treachery, wherever there is illegality, the state does what is necessary there."

Continuing his statement, Saral argued that the opposition does not find support in the eyes of the public and cannot compete with a politics of service, and continued his words as follows: 

"There is a will that brings works and services to this country. Opposite them, there is only a group that produces fiction and slander in front of the screens and cannot go beyond making noise.

Our nation knows very well the difference between those who fight in essence, not just in words, and those who try to engage in politics through slander. Those who run from the truth cling to slander. But let it not be forgotten: The wisdom of this nation values real service, not fake perceptions."

News Source: 12punto