TRT General Manager Ibrahim Sahin justifying himself said he had not shaken Turkish First Lady Hayrunnisa Gul’s hand on the Republic Day because he did not notice it. According to him, he has always shaken it. Sahin maintains that mass media simply overblew the incident.

Sahin approached Turkish President Abdullah Gul for a handshake congratulating on the Day of Republic. Afterwards, the Fist Lady Hayrunnisa Gul extended her hand, however it didn’t get a clasp, as TRT General Manager did not hold it.

NTV cameraman captured the incident while covering the event.