Turkish Prosecutor seeks to ID YouTube posters

ANKARA, Turkey, 04 December, 2008

A Turkish prosecutor says the United States should identify the individuals responsible for certain questionable YouTube videos.

Ankara public prosecutor Kursat Kayral has asked U.S. officials to identify whoever posted videos on the video-sharing Web site that offered derogatory views of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Hurriyet said Thursday.

Kayral said the videos not only insult Ataturk, but also Turkey and its flag. He has asked U.S. officials to hand over the identities of the responsible individuals once they are determined.

Hurriyet said if Turkey is able to ascertain the identities of those responsible, they will likely face arrest if they ever step foot on Turkish soil.