ANKARA
The Turkish Presidency has issued a statement denouncing allegations associating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family members with Daesh.
The statement late Friday described foreign media reports claiming such links as being part of a “perception management” operation, “targeting to undermine Turkey’s image by creating an impression that there is a relation between Turkey and the terrorist organization Daesh”.
“The recent groundless, immoral allegations that His Excellency Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his son Bilal Erdogan and his daughter Sumeyye Erdogan have ties with Daesh, are a part of a smear campaign, conducted against Turkey, and are out-and-out lies,” the statement says.
It adds: “These ugly slanders, fabricated by certain foreign websites that support the Assad regime and its collaborators, have been quoted by some circles, known for their anti-Turkey attitude, and reported under the guise of news by certain websites that virtually made a profession out of lying.
“Mediating such slanders and lies do not befit journalism ethics and it is also an assault on personal rights.
“The fact that Turkey has been resolutely struggling against Daesh, which claimed the lives of our citizens, can in no way be covered up.”
The president reserves his legal rights regarding the allegations and invites media outlets to be cautious not to serve “perception management operations targeting Turkey,” the statement adds.
