Diyanet issues 'political neutrality' and 'discrimination' directive to imams
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has reminded religious officials of the principles established three years ago by the Council of Ethics for Public Officials regarding the use of social media by public personnel. Imams were called upon to maintain 'neutrality'.
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The Council of Ethics for Public Officials signed a principle decision regarding social media usage on September 20, 2021.
With this decision, “ethical principles that must be observed by public officials in the rapidly advancing use of social media in digitalized private and public life, in order to protect the impartiality of public services and the trust in public administration” were established.
At the time of the decision, like many other public institutions and organizations, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) had announced the ethical principles determined for social media use to its own personnel.
REMINDER ISSUED TO PERSONNEL
According to a report by Sinan Tartanoğlu from Kısadalga; the Diyanet General Directorate of Human Resources felt the need to remind personnel of the text of ethical principles announced three years ago.
In a letter sent to mufti offices, Religious Higher Specialization Center Directorates, and Religious Specialization Center Directorates on June 5, 2024, it was requested that “the 'Social Media Ethical Principles' that public officials must observe be communicated to the personnel.”
"PUBLIC OFFICIALS MUST TAKE CARE TO MAINTAIN THEIR POLITICAL NEUTRALITY"
Some of the ethical principles determined in the Council of Ethics for Public Officials' decision were as follows:
“A public official; while making public comments about public policies or participating in public debates regarding them, must avoid behaviors that jeopardize their impartiality regarding the duty they perform.
They must not discriminate between individuals based on language, race, ethnic origin, color, gender, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, sect, wealth, marital status, health status, disability, age, clothing, and similar reasons.
They must take care to maintain their political neutrality and must not conduct campaigns, make comments, share posts, or engage in activities in favor of or against any political party or initiative in a way that casts doubt on the impartiality of public service.
A public official must not engage in hateful, defensive, or intolerant expressions that could lead to discrimination.”