According to the Anatolia News Agency, a British tourist in Marmaris has been kicked out of the country and banned from returning for 5 years, for 'insulting Atatürk'.

Thomas Robert Strong, a 19 year old from Carlisle, climbed on to a statue of Atatürk, undressed and made 'inappropriate' gestures, whilst at the same time unleashing a volley of insults.

He can count himself fortunate on two counts.  Firstly, that he was not lynched by the locals, who were incensed, and , secondly that he did not get a spell in a Turkish jail.

KTLN says good riddance to him.  Don't bother coming back in 5 years time.

And on a related matter, a 13 year old Turkish boy from Aydın, who shouted "May God curse you", at Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been charged with 'insulting an official based upon his occupation'.  If he is found guilty, he could face a period of imprisonment.