Türkiye: Six detained after disrespect of national flag at university concert

Six people have been detained in Ankara following an investigation into incidents during a university spring festival where the national flag was allegedly disrespected, authorities said.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had launched an ex officio investigation into events that took place on May 6 at the Middle East Technical University (METU) stadium during a concert, on charges including “insulting state symbols”, “aggravated intentional injury”, “threat” and “insult”, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Prosecutors said the investigation was initiated after footage circulating in both traditional and social media was reviewed by security authorities.

Following the review, the Ankara Provincial Police Department’s Public Security Branch identified six suspects linked to the incident, who were subsequently detained.

In a statement, the General Directorate of Security described the Turkish flag as “the most important symbol of the nation’s will for independence”, adding that it represents the memory of those who died in the country’s wars of independence, as well as the sacrifices of veterans.

Authorities confirmed that judicial proceedings have been initiated against the suspects, identified by initials as I.K., M.E.Y., O.A., M.F.G., C.E. and B.D.

By Aghakazim Guliyev