AKP: Criticizing Erdogan crime against humanity

The spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Wednesday blasted two Turkish actors who were detained and released earlier this week for their statements allegedly calling for a coup, saying their statements constituted both a hate crime and a crime against humanity, independent news site T24 reported.

According to Ahvalnews, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Dec. 22 launched an investigation against veteran actors Metin Akpınar and Mujdat Gezen, pertaining to their statements at a TV show called "Public Arena" broadcasted by Turkish secularist news channel Halk TV.

The pair, who were detained and released on probation Monday, are accused of calling for a civil war and coup.

Akpınar while on Halk TV said Turkey’s leading Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its supporters are inciting polarization in the country.

''Whoever turned to Russia, except Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, had to leave their seat. Adnan Menderes had an appointment and a coup took place. Similarly, the same thing happened when Suleyman Demirel faced north and a coup took place. Let’s see who’s next,’’ Akpınar said on TV, in an apparent reference to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey’s improving relations with Russia.

‘’The statements by Akpınar and Gezen, which are not politically acceptable, constitute hate speech and a crime against humanity,’’ Omer Celik said.

Ahvalnews said, days after veteran comedians Akpinar and Gezen were detained over comments they made on secularist Halk TV, Turkey’s television watchdog RTUK banned the program both were on for five days, fining the channel 80,000 Turkish liras ($15,000).