Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal Freed: Expressing His Views – Latest Turkey News
Cem Köksal, the CEO of Zorlu Holding, has been released on condition of judicial control after being detained for sending an e-mail to his employees. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office investigated Köksal for allegedly “preventing the use of freedom of faith, thought, and opinion” and he was detained as part of the investigation. A ban on leaving the country was imposed on Köksal but he was later released under judicial control.
According to reports, Köksal’s message was intended to be sent directly to Vestel CEO Ergün Guler, but it was mistakenly sent to all employees. In the e-mail, Köksal criticized Guler for including the month of Ramadan in the list of corporate days to be celebrated, stating that only religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha should be recognized. The message caused a stir on social media, leading to backlash.
In response to the controversy, Köksal expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and denied the charges brought against him. He also resigned from his position as CEO of Zorlu Holding. The Board of Directors of Zorlu Holding emphasized the company’s commitment to family values, business ethics, and national and spiritual values.
The incident unfolded after Vestel CEO Ergün Guler sent an e-mail to employees at the start of Ramadan, wishing them a peaceful month with their families. Köksal’s leaked response to Guler’s e-mail reflected his belief in maintaining a neutral stance on religious matters within the company. The message sparked debate on social media and ultimately led to Köksal’s resignation from his role.
