Two key Türk Telekom executives step down after testifying in coup probe

ISTANBUL

Two senior executives in landline operator Türk Telekom, who were summoned by prosecutors to give testimony in connection with the July 15 failed coup attempt, have stepped down from their positions.

The company said Consumer Business Unit CEO Erkan Akdemir and Coşkun Şahin, the vice president responsible for technology, decided to leave their positions, in an emailed statement on Aug. 12.

Akdemir’s position was removed and all units which were directly tied to this position have been tied to Türk Telekom Group CEO Rami Aslan, according to the statement.

Şahin’s duties and responsibilities are also be undertaken by Aslan until a new name is appointed to this position, read the statement.

Aslan thanked both Akdemir and Şahin for their prior contributions and work for the company.

Türk Telekom, which is 30 percent state-owned, had sacked 290 people in total in “cooperation with the security forces” in line with the ongoing probe into coup attempt.