Finance Ministry 'Takes Legal Action' Against Those Who 'Distorted' Albayrak's Words

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The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has stated that a recent speech by Minister Berat Albayrak was distorted by some media outlets and it has "taken legal action" against them.

Albayrak said last week, "Those who have titles such as economist, professor, etc. but try to damage the country, to scare the nation, to create a perception against Turkey are no different from the group we see in terrorist acts."

The ministry clarified Albayrak's words, saying that he meant there is no difference between "those who try to create a perception against our economy and who try to create a perception against Turkey during anti-terror operations."

"After every positive development in the economy and after every data revealing the achievements of the balancing process, we witness the attempts of the same circles who target Mr. Berat Albayrak," the ministry said.

The ministry said that it took legal action against those who "distorted" Albayrak's words and "those who keep lies and smears on the agenda."

After Albayrak's statement, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Özgür Özel said that he is "doing the groundwork" for legislation to prosecute those who criticize the government's economic policies.

A columnist at the pro-government daily Sabah said in early November that the government is working on new legislation that requires a prison term for up to two years for those spread false news on the economy. (EKN/VK)