Director of Communications Altun: "One of the most severe problems we face today is the legitimisation and normalisation of racism and discrimination in the guise of freedom of expression. In this context, we will sustain our close cooperation with Germany's new administration, non-governmental organisations and media representatives."
In a video message sent to the panel "Seeking Justice for the Hanau Victims: The Far-Right Terrorist Threat in Germany" held by the Directorate of Communications on the second anniversary of the Hanau attack, Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun said, "Every racist attack that goes unpunished and unresolved leads to more acts of terrorism."
Noting that there was a racist terrorist attack in Hanau, Germany, on February 19, 2020, Director of Communications Altun said that they organised a panel to commemorate those who lost their lives in the attack.
Commemorating the victims of the terrorist attacks in Germany and other parts of the world, particularly the Hanau incident, with respect once again and extending his condolences to their relatives, Director of Communications Altun said, "Never will we surrender to terrorism."
Stating that an in-depth analysis of Germany's far-right terrorism threat, which has reached alarming levels, would be conducted in the panel, Director of Communications Altun said that both how the far-right reached this point and the danger posed by the far-right infiltrating German public institutions would be addressed.
Director of Communications Altun stated that they would also discuss how the media shapes public perceptions of racism, as well as the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of the Hanau attack.
"Without a diagnosis, there is no cure"
Emphasising in particular that this gathering was not convened to degrade or attack Germany, Director of Communications Altun continued:
"Our objective is to draw attention to a severe problem that German society is currently confronting, based on the premise that the first step toward resolving a problem is to acknowledge its existence. Therefore, I would like to underline that our approach here is constructive and solution-oriented. Our entire purpose is for millions of Turks in Germany, where they have lived for decades, to feel like 'equal individuals,' not 'potential victims,' and to live a life free of fear. Because the problems of every one of our citizens, wherever they may be in the world, are also the problems of the state of the Republic of Türkiye. Acknowledging the existence of a problem is essential to eliminate it. Without a diagnosis, there is no cure."
Stating that the issue of racism is unfortunately denied by its politicians, public officials, and media when we look at Germany today, Director of Communications Altun emphasised that German politicians frequently express their "shock" in the aftermath of these attacks, which were highly predictable for immigrants, while condemning racist acts of terrorism.
Director of Communications Altun added:
"This expression of shock might be seen as a defence mechanism used by some politicians who jumped on the racist bandwagon as the far-right rose to prominence. Likewise, when reporting terrorist acts, the media labels white assailants 'insane' and non-whites 'terrorists.' This trend, which is not unique to Germany, serves to cleanse society of the 'sin of racism' and put all the blame on a handful of 'mentally ill' vagrants. It is striking that, aside from the violent assaults, racist acts are not mentioned in the media. Finally, it should be stressed that public institutions are insufficient in combating far-right terrorism and that when it comes to racist crimes, justice is not served. Indeed, incidents such as the NSU case, which reinforced the perception that 'racists are protected in Germany,' paved the way for tragedies like Hanau. Every racist attack that goes unpunished and unresolved leads to more acts of terrorism."
Saying, "One of the most severe problems we face today is the legitimisation and normalisation of racism and discrimination in the guise of freedom of expression," Director of Communications Altun stated that hate speech, especially aimed against migrants, which is frequently resorted to during political debates and in the media, is mostly overlooked.
"Each of the attacks and insults directed against our country, most notably against our President, are manifestations of this covert racism"
Emphasising that Germany, as a matter of fact, has come to the point where Muslims are routinely criminalised, and Islam is treated as an internal security threat, Director of Communications Altun came to the following conclusion:
"Racist sentiments toward minorities, particularly Turks, are occasionally voiced in the public sphere through the use of 'humour'. I would like to make it abundantly clear that each of the attacks and insults directed against our country, most notably against our President, in European countries, particularly Germany, are manifestations of this covert racism. These attacks and insults appear to be a reflection of the endeavour to settle accounts with Turks, who live as an 'exemplary minority' in Germany and make outstanding contributions to German society through the Republic of Türkiye and its leader. In the same vein, it is impossible to look at this without considering the targeting of organisations and structures that serve Turkish society and protect our citizens' rights. Although those who have oppressed our country in the past by meddling with our people's worship, headscarves, and customs have hailed these actions and discourses, all of which are, in fact, part of the agenda of a criminalisation and exclusion policy."
Director of Communications Altun pointed out that Türkiye's isolation in its fight against terrorist groups, as well as the fact that these structures are still allowed to raise funds and recruit in Europe, demonstrate the same double standards.
Director of Communications Altun said, "There is no other explanation for the attempt to exonerate the PKK, which is on the European Union's terrorist list, and to portray the FETO treacherous network, which turned the streets into a bloodbath on July 15, as a small number of dissidents."
"We will not tolerate any mistreatment against our citizens"
Emphasising that they would not allow racism to be normalised and popularised by disguising it under concepts such as freedom of expression, Director of Communications Altun added:
"We will continue to be the strongest supporter of any individuals and institutions sincerely combatting the threat posed by racism and the far-right. In this context, we will sustain our close cooperation with Germany's new administration, non-governmental organisations and media representatives and will not tolerate any mistreatment, persecution, or threat against our citizens. We will make our presence felt no matter what it takes and wherever our citizens live in the world. We will not allow their rights to maintain strong ties to their homeland, speak their mother tongue, raise their children according to Turkish customs and traditions, and freely worship to be violated. We will not allow racism to be normalised and popularised by disguising it under concepts such as freedom of expression."
Director of Communications Altun stated that while they endeavour to elevate Türkiye, which acts as a stabilising power in the regional and international arena, to the rightful place it deserves in the world, they will also adhere to all values, most notably justice, under the strong leadership of our President and while carrying out these activities, they will tune out what others say and instead adopt the motto of serving the nation.
Expressing his gratitude to the politicians, public officials, opinion leaders, artists, and members of the press who have fought sincerely and resolutely against the far-right terrorist threat in Germany, Director of Communications Altun reiterated that the Republic of Türkiye is the strongest supporter and genuine partner of these people dedicated to eradicating racism.