Turkish historian remanded over Ataturk insult released

By Melike Gallenkus

ISTANBUL (AA) – A historian who was remanded into custody for allegedly insulting Turkey’s founding leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has been released on Thursday.

Istanbul's Bakirkoy 35th Criminal Court freed Suleyman Yesilyurt, but the 68-year-old still faces charges and a possible 2,5 to 7,5 years prison sentence.

He was accused of "defamation of Ataturk’s memory" and "inciting people to hatred and hostility".

In his defense, Yesilyurt said he did not intend to insult Ataturk in his remarks. "I apologize to the Turkish nation if I am misunderstood," said Yesilyurt.

Yesilyurt’s alleged remarks came during a TV show called Derin Tarih (Deep History) on the Turkish channel, TVnet on May 6.