Nationalist Leader Defends Businessman Rahmi Koç Amidst Controversy

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has intervened in the public controversy surrounding businessman Rahmi Koç, stating that he does not find Koç's targeting appropriate. Bahçeli defended Koç, emphasizing that a joke made in a casual conversation at a hospital opening should not lead to an investigation.

"It is wrong that an investigation has been launched against Mr. Rahmi Koç over a joke he made in a sincere conversation at a hospital opening in Izmir," Bahçeli said. "We do not find it appropriate for a valuable businessman, who has served Turkey throughout his 95-year life with the upbringing and stance he has, to be targeted with unacceptable terms."

The controversy erupted after a joke shared by Rahmi Koç at the opening ceremony of the American Hospital in Balçova went viral on social media. The joke, which featured a Kurdish female character, drew public criticism. Following the spread of the video, an investigation was initiated against Rahmi Koç. The development was announced by Yılmaz Tunç, and Koç later issued a written apology.

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It is wrong that an investigation has been launched against Mr. Rahmi Koç over a joke he made in a sincere conversation at a hospital opening in Izmir. We do not find it appropriate for a valuable businessman, who has served Turkey throughout his 95-year life with the upbringing and stance he has, to be targeted with unacceptable terms.