Acquittal for high school teacher who insulted Atatürk

A verdict has been announced in the case filed against Ramazan Avuşmak, a philosophy teacher working at the İnci Üzmez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Turgutlu district of Manisa. A judicial process had been initiated based on the testimony of 11 students, alleging that the teacher had made severe insults against the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, such as calling him a 'pedophile, drunkard, and misogynist' during class.

'COURT DID NOT CONSIDER THE CLASSROOM A PUBLIC SPACE'

The court panel presiding over the trial evaluated whether the crime of insult had been committed. In its ruling, the court acquitted Ramazan Avuşmak on the grounds that the classroom environment where the alleged remarks were made could not be considered a 'public space' and that the act could not be deemed 'public' (aleni).

'GREETED WITH TAKBIRS'

While Ramazan Avuşmak was released upon leaving the courthouse, a group of citizens waiting in front of the courthouse building greeted the teacher with takbirs (chants of 'Allahu Akbar'). Making a brief statement, Avuşmak emphasized his trust in the justice system and state institutions, stating the following:

'It has been proven that there are fair prosecutors and judges in our country. There are fair prosecutors not only in Europe but also in our country. There are fair judges. There are lawyers who know rights and law. There are non-governmental organizations. I am satisfied with my state. I have raised hundreds of students to this day. Among my students, I have raised lawyers, doctors, judges, prosecutors, police officers, captains, majors, and non-commissioned officers. May God not bring harm to our state. I am satisfied with my state. May God be satisfied with my state. From the lowest-ranking civil servant to the bureaucracy, the district governor, the governor, the national education [authorities], and up to our head of state, may God be pleased with them. May He not tire them. I am at the service of my state. Just as I have been until today, I am still at its service even if I retire. That is all I have to say. Thank you all. Justice has been served, and it will be served, God willing. May God be pleased. Thank you.'

While debates continue in the public eye following the court's decision, the incident continues to resonate in Manisa and across the country.

News Source: 12punto