Director of Communications Altun: “The so-called news the Reuters news agency provided to its subscribers consisting of a script containing baseless claims aimed at Bilal Erdoğan is a black mark from the perspective of the history of journalism.”
The Presidency's Director of Communications shared a post on his social media with respect to the news provided by Reuters news agency on Bilal Erdoğan, the son of President Erdoğan.
Altun stated the following: “Today, the Reuters news agency provided its subscribers with the title of a special file aimed at Bilal Erdoğan, the son of our President, containing baseless claims and so-called news consisting of a script; from the perspective of the history of journalism, it is both a black mark against and a pitiful example of a 171-year-old media organization publicly humiliating itself.” and added that “This product of disinformation, for which not even the most fundamental journalistic standards have been met, as evidenced by the following sentences denying and almost confessing that it has nothing to do with the truth, should be taught in journalism textbooks.”
Citing the part of the news saying "Ultimately, no kickbacks were paid, according to the complaint submitted to authorities by an individual and reviewed by Reuters. In fact, Dignita Systems AB, the Swedish company, abruptly abandoned the project late last year. Reuters was unable to confirm independently whether President Erdoğan and his son Bilal were aware of, or had involvement in Dignita's alleged kickback scheme.", Altun made the following statement:
“It raises numerous questions as to why this perception operation, which is riddled with fabricated scenarios, entirely disregards the most fundamental ethical principles of journalism, and is evidently aimed at the President's family, was published just prior to the upcoming NATO leaders' summit. We would like to make it crystal-clear that this operational news, circulated by the anti-Turkish lobby and public authorities to put pressure on Türkiye, will never be able to undermine Türkiye's principled stance.While such attacks on our President, which have been on the rise since the presidential runoff on May 28, are disrespectful to the will of the Turkish nation, they are also futile efforts that will not deter us from our path. We condemn Reuters for serving this false news story, as they have once again demonstrated to the entire world just how crucial our struggle against disinformation is. We will continue to work day and night under the leadership of the President in order not to allow our nation and international public opinion to be manipulated.”