Yılmaz: Fake E-Signature and Diploma Claims Used for Manipulation

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has claimed that recent public debates over fake e-signatures and forged diplomas are being used by certain groups as tools of manipulation, rather than genuine efforts to combat crime.

In a statement posted on social media, Yılmaz argued that the goal of such narratives is to spread chaos, hopelessness, and pessimism, not to ensure justice. He described the current era as both an “information age” and a “disinformation age”, pointing to cross-border, source-obscured digital media campaigns allegedly aimed at undermining state institutions.

Yılmaz said the latest controversies over fake documents are part of a systematic discrediting effort, seeking to portray judicial and administrative bodies as weak, rather than supporting them in bringing offenders to justice. This, he argued, erodes both democratic politics and public trust in the state.

Criticism vs. Manipulation
While stressing that critical opinions are a natural part of democracy, Yılmaz warned against confusing legitimate criticism with manipulative attempts to distort facts. He urged all political actors to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions and the rule of law, expressing confidence that the public would reject such unreliable narratives.

Yılmaz also advised citizens to rely on official statements from authorized institutions when evaluating speculative allegations. He reaffirmed that the commitment to prevent crime and bring criminals to justice would continue with determination, without discrimination.