The continual saga between the Turkish government and Enes Kanter just took a more dramatic turn in a negative direction. Turkey issued an arrest warrant for the 25-year old big man, accusing him of being a member of a terrorist organization.
From AFP:
“Turkey issued an arrest warrant on Friday for Turkish NBA star Enes Kanter, accusing him of being a member of a “terror group”, a pro-government newspaper reported. A judge issued the arrest warrant after an Istanbul prosecutor opened an investigation into Kanter’s alleged “membership of an armed terrorist organisation”, Sabah daily reported.
Sabah daily added that the prosecutor would apply for an Interpol red notice — to inform Interpol’s 190 members that someone’s arrest is sought and thus ensure their deportation — to the justice ministry.”
Of course, this is happening just a matter of days following Kanter being held in Romania last weekend. The Turkish government canceled his passport while traveling for his foundation. He did return to the United States but added fuel to the fire by starting a media tour where he has regularly expressed some harsh criticism of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He mentioned that Erdoğan is “the Hitler of our century.”
Kanter seemed amused on Twitter.
Here’s the translation: “You cannot catch me. Hahaha. Don’t waste your energy. I am already going to come to Turkey to spit on all of your ugly, hate-filled faces.”
At this point, Kanter’s presence isn’t welcomed in Turkey as they guaranteed his arrest if he places a foot in Turkey. All Thunder fans and Kanter supporters can do is wait at this point. Based on how this is going, things aren’t over. Hopefully, Kanter and his family remain safe.
Didn’t Kanter’s family disown him sometime last year?