A Turkish prosecutor has launched an investigation into British economist Timothy Ash over remarks he made about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a financial meeting in Bodrum.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into Ash on suspicion of insulting the president. The investigation was reportedly initiated directly by the prosecutor’s office, rather than following a formal complaint.
What Did Timothy Ash Say?
Ash was speaking about world leaders during a meeting in Bodrum when he said that perhaps the world was living in an era of “sociopathic leaders.”
He then mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Erdoğan among the leaders he was referring to.
Ash immediately appeared to realise the potential consequences of mentioning Erdoğan. He withdrew the remark and joked about how it could be reported in the Turkish media.
He said he could already imagine the headline in Sabah newspaper, with a small photograph of him and a caption saying that he had made the remark.
Ash then told people to stop filming, before adding that he was joking and that it was not a problem.
Prosecutor Launches Investigation
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that an investigation had been opened against Ash over his remarks at the meeting.
In a statement, the prosecutor’s office said that an investigation had been launched against T.A. for “insulting the president” because of statements he made at a meeting, following reports about the incident in the media.
The investigation concerns remarks directed at Erdoğan and comes under Turkey’s law concerning insulting the president.
Who Is Timothy Ash?
Timothy Ash is a British economist and financial markets specialist who has frequently commented on Turkey, emerging markets and the Turkish economy.
His remarks in Bodrum have now attracted attention not because of an economic assessment, but because they have resulted in a criminal investigation in Turkey.
Source: Birgün Newspaper
