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Prominent Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı, who was detained on June 20 on allegations of making threatening remarks toward President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his televised program, has strongly denied any intent to threaten or insult the head of state.
Speaking in his statement to authorities, Altayli said: "I acknowledge the broadcast and statements are mine, but there was no intention of threat or insult. I have always exercised my right to criticism, but threats are never something I have engaged in."
Altayli referred to a recent public survey that asked citizens whether they supported a constitutional change allowing Erdogan to remain president for life. He noted that 70 percent of respondents were against it.
In explaining his view, Altayli made historical references: "This nation has never accepted unchecked authority.
Even during the Ottoman era, people criticized sultans openly. Some sultans were even removed or faced tragic ends."
Altayli emphasized that these were historical facts discussed openly with respected historians.
"I have discussed similar topics many times with names like Erhan Afyoncu and Murat Bardakci on air. These are scholarly conversations, not political threats," he said.
He added, "I cannot be held responsible for the misinterpretation of historically accurate statements. Over 45 years in journalism, I have never threatened any citizen, including the President of Türkiye."
The controversy began after Altayli said on air, "This nation has in the past removed sultans it no longer favored. There are multiple examples of deposed or eliminated rulers in Ottoman history."
Legal action followed shortly after the broadcast, with Altayli being briefly detained before providing a full statement to investigators.
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