AKP did not lay wreath at Taksim May 19 ceremony

The AKP did not lay a wreath at the May 19 ceremony at the Taksim Monument, according to reports. The Republican People's Party voiced criticism, noting that the party traditionally lays a wreath on the day marking the 107th anniversary of Atatürk's departure to Anatolia — but that the ruling party did not do so this year.

**[EDITOR'S NOTE — VERIFY BEFORE PUBLICATION: The source text reads 'Ankara Taksim Anıtı.' The Taksim Monument is located in Istanbul, not Ankara. Please confirm the correct location with the reporter.]**

Meanwhile, AK Party Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu posted a May 19 message on his social media account, writing: "Today we follow the path opened to our independence by the sacred flame lit in Samsun 107 years ago."