CHP's Mahmut Tanal alleges 'forged signature' by former AKP deputy

In a statement on the social media platform X, CHP's Mahmut Tanal stated that there are allegations that Abdulkerim Gök, who serves at the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, published academic works belonging to others as his own without citing them during his time as a faculty member at Harran University.

Pointing out that the investigation documents also include claims regarding the use of forged signatures, Tanal stated, “The documents clearly reveal which theses and articles were plagiarized with phrases like ‘Copied work: …’. There is a statement from an academic saying, ‘The signature on the documents does not belong to me.’”

In his statement, Tanal directed the following questions to Harran University and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK):

“If these allegations are not true, with what documents do you plan to refute them?

If they are true, why has no criminal complaint been filed with the prosecutor's office?

Why has no judicial process been initiated while the allegation of a forged signature is on the table?

Was the file forwarded to YÖK in its entirety? Have Abdulkerim Gök’s academic titles—associate professorship and professorship—been re-examined?

If these allegations are correct, we are looking at fake titles, forged documents, and academic theft. These situations are not only disciplinary offenses but also crimes that must be investigated ex officio under the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Furthermore, according to the allegations, if it is true that a 3-year ban from applying for associate professorship was issued, why was the allegation of a forged document not forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office? Why was no judicial process initiated for these acts, which are evaluated under the TCK and the Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works? Why are YÖK and the university administration not sharing this file with the public? How can the Presidency appoint someone to such a position whose doctorate and associate professorship are under suspicion?”

Mahmut Tanal emphasized that Harran University's silence has led the public to take the allegations even more seriously, and he called on YÖK, prosecutors, and all relevant institutions to take responsibility.

News Source: 12punto