UPDATE 2- Türkiye’s anti-disinformation center rejects claims of hostility toward Kurds in Syria

ADDS REMARKS BY TURKISH JUSTICE MINISTER

By Gizem Nisa Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) on Saturday rejected claims that Ankara has displayed a hostile attitude toward Kurds during the ongoing developments in Syria, calling such allegations “entirely unfounded.”

“Claims that Türkiye has displayed a hostile attitude toward Kurds during the process unfolding in Syria, and that our President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) and ministers have made statements to that effect, are entirely unfounded,” DMM said in a statement released on its Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

The DMM emphasized that remarks made by Turkish officials were directed solely at “terrorism and terrorist organizations,” and that these statements had been deliberately taken out of context.

The center also called on the public and regional audiences not to be misled by what it described as malicious and inaccurate narratives.

“It is respectfully requested that the public, as well as our friends, brothers, and neighbors with whom we have shared common values for centuries, do not take into account ill-intentioned and factually baseless content,” the statement added.

- Disinformation, provocation will 'not go unanswered'

Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said Ankara is "closely" following developments as they unfold in Syria.

"During this process, we are also carefully examining the disinformation campaigns conducted on social media platforms regarding the developments in Syria, as well as the provocative attempts aimed at inciting hatred and hostility among the public," Duran posted on US social media company.

Such posts containing disinformation and provocation will "not go unanswered," he said, adding that necessary legal action would be taken against those responsible.

"It is of great importance that the public remains vigilant against disinformation and provocations during this period and does not give credence to information and content that has not been confirmed by official institutions," he stressed.

Türkiye's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said the chief public prosecutor's offices have initiated investigations ex officio regarding disinformation activities, particularly those conducted through social media platforms, and provocative posts aimed at inciting hatred and hostility among the public.

"Regarding content that constitutes a crime, all judicial and technical measures, including access restrictions, will be implemented resolutely," Tunc said on X, adding that disinformation and attempts to disrupt public order and sow chaos will “never be tolerated” on social media platforms.

* Diyar Guldogan from Washington, DC contributed to this report