Child who insulted opposition leader at Erdoğan rally says president promised him to release his father

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A 10-year-old boy who addressed the crowd at a rally of President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday (January 30) has apologized for his words about the leader of the main opposition party.

The child called Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP) a "traitor," and called on the people to vote for Erdoğan, "the best man."

Erdoğan and the ministers accompanying him watched the child with a smile on their faces, which caused criticism from opposition parties, as well as children's rights groups.

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Speaking to a local TV channel, the child said he didn't know the meaning of the word "traitor."

"I regret what I said. I didn't know the political stuff. They would call him a 'liar.' And that occurred to me and I said it," he said.

The child also said that he asked the president to pardon his father, who he said has been in prison for 10 years.

"I missed my father so much. I'm waiting for him to come out [of prison]. I hope Mr. President keeps his word. My wish is that my father comes out," he said. (HA/VK)