Petition backs Turkish governor ousted in cycling tights row

A Turkish governor removed from office after a backlash over images of him cycling in sports tights has received backing from thousands of supporters calling for his reinstatement.

Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, governor of Turkey's northeastern Ardahan province, was dismissed under a presidential decree issued on July 17 following controversy that erupted over social media videos and photographs he shared of himself cycling in tights.

The decree did not specify the reason for his removal, but media reports and public debate linked the decision to his sporting attire.

An online petition launched on Change.org under the title "Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Cicekli Should Remain in Office" has gathered more than 8,300 signatures.

Cicekli's attire also prompted debate in parliament this month, where even a lawmaker from the main opposition CHP party called for his removal from office.

Defending himself at the time, Cicekli, who is a public servant appointed by the government, said the outfit was standard cycling gear.

"The clothes I'm wearing are sports clothes. I do sports in sports clothes," he said.

Asked what he planned to do after his dismissal, Cicekli said: "I will keep pedalling."