TRT Arabic news presenter resigns, slamming PM Erdoğan during live program

ISTANBUL

TRT Arabic's Egyptian news presenter Beshir Abdelfattah has announced his resignation in front of the audience, harshly criticizing Turkish PM's stance on Egypt. Hürriyet photo

An Egyptian news presenter on Turkish public broadcaster TRT’s Arabic station has resigned during a live broadcast, expressing his indignation over Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s stance over the situation in Egypt.

Beshir Abdelfattah also demanded an apology from Erdoğan, saying he was “ashamed” of working for TRT, Turkish news wires reported Aug. 30.

“The Egyptian people have a lot of affection for the Turkish people. We have historical ties that will continue. But Erdoğan’s words about al-Azhar [the sheikh] and the Egyptian people, as well as his political stance, are wrong,” Abdelfattah said in front of the cameras.

“We Egyptians have red lines. What really matters is the love of our country. This is why I am announcing here today that I’m making my last program and I’m cutting all my ties with the TRT Arabic channel,” he added. 

“Erdoğan owes an apology to the Egyptian people. He hasn’t apologized, but I’m personally apologizing to the Egyptian people. I am ashamed of having worked on this program and channel. I’m now resigning in front of everyone. May God bless you,” Abdelfattah said.

TRT’s Arabic channel was put on air in 2010, with the intention of expanding Turkey’s influence in the Arabic world. It features news programs as well as Turkish series and movies translated into Arabic.