Turkish authorities have closed a brief investigation into British economist Timothy Ash over comments likening President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The initial probe by Istanbul's Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office was widely reported by pro-government media and the state-run Anadolu Agency, which later pulled the report from its website as developments unfolded.
The controversy arose after footage surfaced of Ash speaking at a business forum in Bodrum regarding geopolitical uncertainty. While analyzing global politics, Ash characterized the current climate as an era driven by the personal interests of 'sociopathic leaders,' listing US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Netanyahu.
'We are in an era of sociopathic leaders,' Ash said during the presentation. 'What is in the interest of these individuals, the Netanyahus, the Erdoğans... oops. I did not say that. Take that back. Stop the video.'
Ash immediately caught his mistake during the panel, sarcastically adding that the remark would end up on the front cover of the pro-government daily Sabah. The newspaper subsequently ran a story accusing him of arrogance for the comparison, triggering a wave of reports across pro-government outlets alleging that prosecutors had launched an inquiry for 'insulting the president.'
However, the reports were swiftly retracted and clarified by Ash on social media.
'Just to clarify that I have been informed that the Turkish authorities have closed any investigation around comments I made in Bodrum,' Ash said. 'They looked into the case and there was no merit to the allegations - no case. End of story. Period.'
Addressing the Sabah report directly, Ash clarified that the comment was unintended and reaffirmed his respect for Turkey's stance on regional matters.
'A genuine slip of the tongue, which I retracted immediately, & absolutely no offence intended,' Ash wrote. 'Chatham House rules obviously don’t apply to Sabah. Erdoğan has stood up valiantly for Gaza & Palestinians, as has Turkey. No comparison to Netanyahu. Period.'
