'Mobile Slanderer' Erdoğan Targets Journalist Şule Aydın in Social Media Post
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tolgahan Erdoğan, known on social media as 'seyyar iftiracı' (mobile slanderer), targeted journalist Şule Aydın in a social media post.
- Erdoğan accused Aydın of working as a 'hitman for hire' after she interviewed CHP lawmaker Mustafa Adıgüzel.
- Aydın responded, accusing Erdoğan of lacking integrity and understanding of genuine life values.
Tolgahan Erdoğan, a figure frequently in the spotlight for his statements in investigations concerning the Republican People's Party (CHP) and often dubbed 'seyyar iftiracı' (mobile slanderer) on social media, has ignited controversy with a recent post targeting journalist Şule Aydın.
Erdoğan's post specifically referenced an interview Aydın conducted with Mustafa Adıgüzel, a CHP lawmaker close to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Quoting Aydın's social media activity, Erdoğan launched a direct attack, stating, "What this woman does is not journalism at all, it's being a hitman for hire..."
What this woman does is not journalism at all, it's being a hitman for hire...
The accusation quickly gained traction online, drawing sharp criticism from numerous users who viewed Erdoğan's remarks as an attempt to target and discredit Aydın. Many argued that his statements constituted harassment and aimed to undermine her professional reputation.
Aydın swiftly retorted, expressing her disdain for Erdoğan's characterization. She challenged him, suggesting he inquire with Kemal Bey (presumably Kılıçdaroğlu) about whether she was paid for defending him against perceived injustices. Aydın concluded her response by asserting that Erdoğan, lacking a sense of true life values, should direct his accusations elsewhere.
You are truly despicable. Ask Kemal Bey; did he pay me because I stood in the right place at the right time, defending the injustice he suffered? He doesn't know a life that has a price. Go somewhere else.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.