Publishing photo of gambling son ‘probably not innocent,’ says Turkish minister

ISTANBUL

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Turkey’s transportation minister has weighed in on a debate which started slightly over a week ago, after Turkish daily Sözcü printed a photo of his son playing roulette at a Singapore casino, expressing his disbelief in the “innocence” of the story while stressing he lacked the evidence to accuse a particular individual. 

“One needs tangible evidence in order to think of this as an operation against me. Otherwise, my understanding of politics advises against going after [anyone] without solid information or documentation,” Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication Minister Binali Yıldırım told daily Milliyet in an interview printed on April 27.

“Although I do not believe this was an innocent undertaking, I do not point the finger at anyone,” he added, slamming the “outdated” way of targeting politicians through their families or children. 

“Our part is to make sure individuals’ personal rights are protected and attacks against private lives are not permitted,” the minister remarked, suggesting that even fighting had certain rules of conduct which should be followed. 

Reactions poured in after Sözcü, known for its critical stance towards the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), published a photo of Yıldırım’s son, Erkan Yıldırım, on April 19 and announced the minister’s son had played roulette for hours at Singapore’s largest casino.

The story said Erkan Yıldırım went to the casino at Marina Sands Bay Hotel, Singapore’s iconic luxury hotel, and gambled for some hours with a friend on April 12. It also provided information on Erkan Yıldırım’s fast-growing businesses in the navigation industry.