Co-founder and chairman of Turkey’s prominent Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) Nasuh Mahruki has resigned from his post at AKUT amid growing government pressure on him due to his critical views.
According to a statement from AKUT on Wednesday, Mahruki submitted his resignation as chairman and executive board member of AKUT at the association’s executive board meeting on Monday.
Mahruki recently attracted public attention when he said the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has been pressuring AKUT and obstructing its work due to his views critical of the government. He is also a columnist for the critical Sözcü daily.
Last month, Mahruki was also referred to court for arrest on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a TV program on Oct. 5 but was released on judicial probation.