Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been harshly criticized after slapping a child who refused to kiss his outstretched hand.
The incident took place on Saturday during a ceremony inaugurating houses built as part of an urban transformation project in the province of Rize, in the northern part of the country where Erdogan was born, reports Le Figaro.
After delivering a speech, Erdogan handed over the keys of the houses to their owners. Two children from a family went up on stage before their parents. Erdogan extended his hand for the two children to kiss, a traditional Muslim practice to show respect for the elderly.
When one of the children refused to kiss his hand but instead stared intently at the head of state, Erdogan lightly slapped him on the cheek to get his attention and reprimand him.
After receiving the slap, the child eventually kissed the hand of the Turkish leader, who also gave him some money.
The video caused a stir on social media, with many condemning the actions of the head of state.
In 2021, Erdogan lightly slapped a boy in front of him who was waving a flag at an inauguration ceremony, recalls the Greek newspaper Proto Thema.