Bakırköy prosecutors open insult probe into economist Timothy Ash over Erdoğan remarks
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Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation into British economist Timothy Ash for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a finance meeting in Bodrum. The probe was announced after video of Ash's remarks spread on social media. Ash had listed Erdoğan among leaders he described as 'sociopaths' before joking that his words would make the next day's Sabah newspaper headline.
Key Facts
- Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced an ex officio investigation into Timothy Ash for the crime of insulting the President.
- The remarks were made during a presentation titled 'Trading in markets during periods of geopolitical uncertainty' at a finance meeting in Bodrum attended by business figures.
- Ash named US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as examples of leaders in an 'age of sociopath leaders.'
- After mentioning Erdoğan, Ash interrupted himself and told the audience, 'I didn't say that, stop filming. It's a joke, no problem. It will be on the front page of Sabah tomorrow.'
- The prosecutor's office stated the investigation was launched ex officio after the video circulated on social media.
The Investigation
Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued a written statement announcing the investigation into Timothy Ash. The statement said the probe was opened ex officio for the crime of insulting the President based on remarks Ash made at a meeting. The prosecutor's office confirmed the investigation after the video of Ash's speech spread on social media.
The Bodrum Speech
Timothy Ash delivered a presentation titled 'Trading in markets during periods of geopolitical uncertainty' at a finance meeting in Bodrum attended by prominent business figures. Ash argued that personal interests of leaders, not states, dominate world politics and said the world is in an 'age of sociopath leaders.' He cited US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as examples before mentioning President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After realizing he had named Erdoğan, Ash stopped and told the audience, 'I didn't say that, stop filming. It's a joke, no problem. It will be on the front page of Sabah tomorrow.'
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