Denktaş Issues Open Challenge: “Let Anyone With Claims Against Me Prove Them Tuesday Evening at Sarayönü”

Speaking during a live program, the former deputy prime minister and son of founding President Rauf Denktaş directly addressed what he called a slander campaign targeting his character and reputation.

“I INVITE ANYONE WHO HAS MADE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ME TO PROVE THEM LIVE ON TUESDAY EVENING AT 6 PM IN SARAYÖNÜ”

“I’m calling on all TV channels and journalists,” said Denktaş. “Whichever channel wants to broadcast, and whichever journalist wants to moderate — I’ll be at Sarayönü on Tuesday at 6 PM. Let those making these claims come forward and prove them live, in front of the public.”

“CALLING ALL JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA OUTLETS”

Reiterating that he will pursue legal action against some of those responsible for spreading false claims, Denktaş said the recent smear campaign was especially dangerous for newer citizens and younger generations unfamiliar with his or his family’s history.

“I’ve been accused of all sorts of things I had no involvement in — for years,” he said. “And now, after announcing my return to active politics, the attacks have started again. Some of them come from anonymous online trolls — I don’t take them seriously. But a very real and dirty campaign is being run, especially targeting the youth who don’t know who we are.”

“If you have evidence — not hearsay — real, personal information or documents about me, bring it to Sarayönü. Put it in front of me, in front of the people, live on air. If you won’t, then stop spreading these lies and remain silent forever.”

“I DON’T WANT MY GRANDCHILDREN HEARING THESE LIES”

“I have grandchildren now,” said Denktaş. “I don’t want them growing up hearing people say ‘your grandfather owns nightclubs’ or ‘he has shares in all the hotels.’ I don’t deserve that.”

“DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE IS MY DUTY”

Responding to past accusations that he is ‘against Turkey,’ Denktaş said, “I would die for Atatürk’s Turkey. If I’ve disagreed with those running the state from time to time regarding Cyprus, it’s because it is my duty to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. That’s my job — not just as a politician, but as a citizen.”