Turkey opens probe into journalist Kemal Öztürk over Nusayri remarks

August 31, 2026 at 07:30 PM2 min

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Turkish prosecutors in Hatay's Samandağ district opened an investigation into journalist Kemal Öztürk over remarks he made about Nusayris on NTV. The Samandağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office ordered Öztürk to appear via video link on September 1. Öztürk said he has received no official notification and is at his registered address.

Key Facts

The Samandağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into journalist Kemal Öztürk over his remarks about Nusayris on NTV.
Öztürk is to appear via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) on September 1.
The Samandağ prosecutor sent instructions to the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to ensure Öztürk's appearance.
Öztürk said on social media that he has received no official notification and is at his registered address.
Öztürk is a former general manager of Anadolu Agency and known for his closeness to the government.

The Investigation

The Samandağ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into journalist Kemal Öztürk over his remarks about Nusayris on NTV. The prosecutor's office ordered Öztürk to appear via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) on September 1. Instructions were sent to the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to ensure Öztürk's appearance. The investigation follows complaints filed over Öztürk's statements about Nusayris in Syria during the program.

Öztürk's Response

Öztürk said on social media that he has received no official notification and is at his registered address. He stated that he would provide a clearer explanation once he receives official notification from the authorities. Öztürk expressed surprise at the reports of a detention order against him.

The Remarks

Öztürk, a former general manager of Anadolu Agency, made the remarks while commenting on developments in Syria on NTV. He said he had heard stories from Idlib, Afrin, and Aleppo countryside that made him feel that even executing all Nusayris would be justified. Öztürk added that the opposition forces did not take revenge despite such stories.