Turkish TV show consultant resigns over Palestinian protest
Content advisor of series which depicted Israeli soldiers shooting children in Gaza quits over episode portraying Palestinians in negative light. 'Show insulted Palestinian women and resistance forces,' he says
The content advisor of a Turkish TV series which depicted IDF soldiers as blood-thirsty murderers who intentionally shoot children, announced his resignation. Hakan Albayrak cited the Palestinian protest over scenes portraying armed Palestinians murder and rape women who were released by Israeli army forces, as the official reason for his resignation.
A Palestinian organization based in Gaza expressed indignation on Wednesday over the footage and referred to it as a "stab in the back of the Palestinian nation" on the part of Turkey.
In a statement posted on the 'Turktimes' website Albayrak expressed anger towards the series' creators and publicly apologized to its viewers.
Albayrak explained that he resigned due to the portrayal of "insults towards Palestinian women and resistance forces" and asked that his name be removed from the show's credits list.
"The original plotline focused on the Turkish terror problem and I suggested it be changed to a focus on the West Bank and Gaza," he stated. Albayrak also noted that he suggested that the show focus on Hamas rather than Fatah "since Fatah is opposed to the resistance." He claimed that the series' creators accepted his proposal "and so I told them all I know of the Palestinian people."
'Damage to Palestinians positive image'
He further added,"At the beginning I was proud to have my name appear in the credits list, but now with the turning point in the series which offends the Palestinians I wish that my name be removed from the credits list."
The content advisor also apologized to the Palestinians and stated, "I admit that I didn't get involved in the particular details of the storyline...I was very disappointed with the latest episodes which damaged the positive image of Palestinians in Turkey.
"I meant for Palestine to be recognized and now I can only offer my apology to my brothers who are angry with me."
The show's producer refused to comment on the statements. Channel TRT1, which broadcasts the show, issued a statement which read, "We do not interfere with the internal affairs of private production companies."
