Oh, Berhan Şimşek

“Oh, Berhan Şimşek.” That is the columnist’s reaction after watching footage of the former actor and politician, whose sonorous voice and strong screen presence, the article says, were all undone by a single video.

The writer recalls that when rumors first emerged, Şimşek had said by phone that there had been “absolutely no violence.” After seeing the footage, the columnist says: “I feel terribly deceived.” The article also suggests that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu may have known about Şimşek’s situation, while stressing that this is only an impression and not based on information.

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Absolutely no violence.

The column then turns to what it calls a highly beneficial operation against lawyers who allegedly made improper debt-collection calls to citizens. The callers reportedly threatened enforcement proceedings, claimed debts had entered legal collection and said people had missed settlement deadlines. The operation reportedly targeted 31 lawyers, some of whom were said to be close to the ruling party. The columnist thanks those who launched it and says political proximity was not taken into account.

The article says Ece Güner’s statements from prison convey deep regret over her involvement in the Haluk Levent affair, her entry into politics and her role as an adviser to Ekrem İmamoğlu. It also says rumors have emerged that İzmir Mayor Cemil Tugay could join the AK Party, pointing to a warm photograph with AK Party Secretary-General Eyyüp Kadir İnan as one sign. The writer says it is no longer possible to dismiss the possibility entirely.

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I feel terribly deceived.

The column describes a more favorable impression of Mazlum Abdi after his interviews with Turkish media, saying he appears more mature, less separatist and more focused on the future. It praises digital-content producer Adem Metan for his teamwork, energy, determination and commitment to quality.

Finally, the writer discusses Melih Gökçek’s appearance at a courthouse, where he was seen chewing gum while awaiting questioning. Some viewed the image as unserious, while others saw it as defiance. Osman Gökçek then intervened with an explanation beginning, “My father has diabetes.”

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My father has diabetes.