Turkish General Under Investigation for Alleged Insult of President Erdoğan

Investigation Launched Against Active-Duty General

Turkish prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into an active-duty general, identified only by the initials D.A., for allegedly making insulting remarks about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his family. The probe was officially opened on December 24, 2025. General D.A. is currently serving as a garrison commander in a major province in Turkey.

Origin of the Complaint

The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed through the Presidential Communications Center (CİMER). The complainant is a former officer, identified as E.Ş., who was previously dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) following a dispute with General D.A. According to E.Ş.'s allegations, the derogatory comments concerning President Erdoğan, his family, and several senior military figures were made during a conversation in October 2023. This conversation reportedly took place in General D.A.'s office while they were watching television coverage of Israel's assault on Gaza.

Legal Framework: Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code

The investigation is being conducted under suspicion of 'insulting the president,' a criminal offense defined by Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code. This provision, a lèse-majesté law, stipulates a prison sentence of between one and four years for those found guilty. If the offense is committed in public, the sentence can be increased by one-sixth.

• Article 299 has been a subject of significant criticism from human rights organizations and press freedom advocates, who argue it is used to suppress freedom of expression.
• Thousands of individuals, including journalists, opposition politicians, and ordinary citizens, have faced investigations or prosecutions under this article.
• The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has repeatedly ruled that Article 299 violates freedom of expression and should be amended or repealed; however, Turkish courts continue to apply the provision.
• Prosecutions under Article 299 require the permission of the Minister of Justice.

Broader Context of 'Insulting the President' Cases

The number of investigations and prosecutions for 'insulting the president' has seen a notable increase since President Erdoğan assumed office in 2014. Rights groups contend that the law is incompatible with democratic norms and international standards of free expression, and its enforcement against critics underscores a broader pattern of judicial pressure on critical speech in Turkey.