Oktay Saral, a chief adviser to the President of Türkiye, has confirmed that he stepped down from his position at the head of state’s direction.
Turkish journalist Talat Atilla reported the development after speaking with Saral by phone.
Asked whether he had indeed been removed from his post, Saral replied: “Yes. The President appointed me to this position, and I have stepped down at his instruction. I bear no ill will toward anyone.”
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Atilla then asked whether the decision was linked to Saral’s remarks about Azerbaijan.
“Yes, it would seem so,” the former adviser responded.
Saral had previously made critical comments about school uniform requirements in Azerbaijan, specifically the wearing of the hijab in educational institutions. His remarks sparked a widespread public reaction.
