Ex-Turkey PM, former Erdogan ally probed for insulting president

Prosecutors said Thursday they were investigating former premier Ahmet Davutoglu for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the latest move against a former political ally-turned-rival who then established his own party.

In a statement, prosecutors said the probe was opened following comments that Davutoglu, 67, shared on social media that were viewed as insulting to the president -- a criminal offence in Turkey.

After falling out with Erdogan's government, Davutoglu in 2019 established Gelecek Partisi (the Future Party) which struggled to gain traction, performing poorly in the 2024 local elections.

In August, he dissolved the party at an emergency congress.

An academic by training, Davutoglu served as Turkey's foreign minister from 2009-2014 then as prime minister from 2014-2016.

Turkish authorities have in recent years broadened a crackdown on anyone seen as critical of Erdogan, his government or its values.

Tens of thousands of people -- from musicians and artists, to journalists and politicians -- have faced legal investigations for insulting the president.