Reactions to the statue, which the people of Malatya call the "naked statue", continue to come. A statement regarding the statue in front of Battalgazi Hürriyet Park came from the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD) Battalgazi Branch.
The statement emphasizing the need to remove the statue, which was made 75 years ago as irrelevant to Malatya's culture and moral values, was made by Ahmet Enfal Metin, Head of AGD Battalgazi Branch.
Drawing attention to the reaction of the people of Malatya to the statue, AGD Battalgazi Branch President Ahmet Enfal Metin said:
"This statue, which was built with donations collected from the people of Malatya 75 years ago, has never been favored by the people. This statue, which has always come to the fore with various reactions, contains insults to our history, nation and culture both with its image and message. Even placing this monstrous statue on the square, with the message 'This nation was naked/ignorant in every aspect, Atatürk came and established the republic' was a mistake, but unfortunately, it has been standing there like a dagger stuck in the heart of Malatya for 75 years. We see this statue live every day, which even the televisions had to censor while making news."
“WE ANNOUNCE TO THE WHOLE PUBLIC”
Ahmet Enfal Metin stated that the monstrous statue in the heart of the city is now out of date.
"This statue should be removed immediately. As the Anatolian Youth Association, which fights for a society that is committed to its national and moral values, we will do whatever is necessary, legitimate and official, to remove this freak as soon as possible. As of today, we announce to the public that this struggle and our campaign has started. We will never and never allow those who want to take our efforts to other parties with various ascriptions. On the other hand, we know that all NGOs and citizens who think the same as us will not hesitate to support us in this process," he added.