Nasuh Mahruki, the former president of AKUT, was arrested after appearing at the courthouse to give a statement to the prosecutor as part of an investigation initiated against him. Mahruki had been under investigation for his YSK (Supreme Election Council) post on social media.
In a post from his account X, Mahruki stated, “Yesterday the Prosecutor was determined, this morning I went to the Prosecutor’s Office and gave my statement. The meeting went well, but I was referred for arrest. I am waiting to appear before the judge. From my dear Turkey, which has been ranked 148th out of 173 countries in the Rule of Law Index, the second to last among 45 European countries, and 123rd out of 165 countries in the Electoral Integrity Index, I witness scenes of justice.”
“I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M ACCUSED OF”
Mahruki’s statement has been revealed. Describing his profession as a ‘motivational speaker’ and declaring his monthly income as 100,000 lira, Mahruki stated in his testimony, “I had given my statement to the prosecutor, and I would repeat that statement exactly. As I mentioned in that statement; I do not know what I am accused of, I gave my statement to the prosecutor. I made a very good defense, and I did not give the impression of being guilty during the prosecution phase.
I don’t know what I am accused of. The information I shared is from articles and clippings written by journalists and politicians. I did not publish any misleading information, I have evidence for all of them. Somehow, malicious individuals, shared by hundreds of people, have created a perception to mislead the public and the court. If asked what I am accused of, I can defend myself in that direction. The publications in question are not things I have made up, I don’t even know which of these posts are wrong. I am innocent, and I request to be released.”
The Background of the Case
Nasuh Mahruki’s arrest has stirred controversy in the political and legal spheres. The investigation into Mahruki’s social media posts began after his comments regarding the YSK, which led to accusations of spreading false information and manipulating public opinion. Mahruki’s status as a prominent figure in the search and rescue community has added weight to the case, with many supporters expressing disbelief at the allegations against him.
The Rule of Law Index ranking, where Turkey stands at 148th out of 173 countries, has been a point of contention in Mahruki’s defense. Supporters argue that such rankings do not accurately reflect the state of justice in the country and that Mahruki’s arrest is politically motivated.
The Legal Defense
In his testimony, Mahruki emphasized his lack of knowledge regarding the accusations against him. He maintained that the information he shared on social media was sourced from credible sources and that he had not intentionally spread false information. Mahruki’s defense rested on the assertion that he was a victim of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting him and undermining his reputation.
The discrepancy between Mahruki’s perception of his actions and the charges brought against him highlights the complexities of navigating the legal system in Turkey. The case has raised questions about freedom of expression and the boundaries of online discourse in a country where political tensions run high.
The Public Response
The public response to Nasuh Mahruki’s arrest has been mixed. While some have expressed solidarity with him and questioned the motives behind the investigation, others have called for a thorough examination of his social media posts and any potential violations of the law.
As the case unfolds, it is likely to spark debates about the role of social media in shaping public opinion and the accountability of public figures in disseminating information. The outcome of Nasuh Mahruki’s legal battle will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and the boundaries of online activism in Turkey.
