Speaking in Ankara to the members of the International Union of Democrats, a Germany-based organisation of the Turkish diaspora, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "At a number of prestigious American universities, conscientious students and academics, including anti-Zionist Jews, have reacted to the massacre," adding, "These individuals are facing violence, oppression, persecution and even torture because they want the massacre in Gaza to cease. Rectors and professors are being fired and lynched solely because they support Palestine."
Regarding the West, which he accuses of hypocrisy, the President said, "Yet, when it concerns Türkiye, not a single one of those who claim to be an apostle of democracy says anything in the face of these occurrences."
He also asserted, "The limits of Western democracy are defined by Israel's interests. Anything that affects Israel's interests is considered antidemocratic and antisemitic in their eyes."
Furthermore, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan encouraged Turkish residents to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
Referring to the participation of Turks in Germany in last year's presidential elections in Türkiye, he added, "The Turkish diaspora achieved a global victory with 53.72 percent of the votes on May 14 and 56.34 percent on May 28."
The Turkish President stated, "I believe that the Turkish diaspora will become a bigger and more influential force in Türkiye's future in the coming years. For this, I ask you to tightly hold on to your unity, solidarity, and fraternity. You are aware that the European Parliament elections are coming up soon. It is critical that your voice resonate in those halls. Do not forget to vote in the European Parliament elections."