Turkish FM reveals poisoning attempt with arsenic, mercury

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that he was poisoned with heavy doses of arsenic and mercury about five years ago. 

Fidan stated that the poisoning occurred in an unspecified location, and the substances were detected in subsequent medical tests. 

"I was given heavy doses of arsenic and mercury. It happened somewhere, and then it showed up in the tests. It's been 4-5 years," Fidan said on air, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media. 

When questioned about the identity of those behind the assassination attempt, Fidan declined to provide specifics, stating, "Let’s not go into those details. Those are issues that are happening outside. There are not only enemies inside, there are enemies everywhere."

Despite the poisoning attempt, Fidan emphasised that such actions had not deterred him from his duties.

"We exist to serve this country anyway. They will both assassinate your character and assassinate you physically," he asserted. 

Fidan, who became Türkiye’s Foreign Minister in 2023, previously served as the head of the National Intelligence Organisation.

By Sabina Mammadli