Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin files lawsuit against 'We Defend Secularism' declaration

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin answered journalists' questions before the AKP Group Meeting. Defending the Ramadan circular sent to schools, Tekin stated that it is the Ministry's duty to create an educational environment where children internalize their values. Tekin claimed that their actions were in accordance with the law and the constitution.

THANKS TO BAHÇELİ

Minister Tekin thanked MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli for his statement of support regarding the process, saying, "He made a statement that embraced the process with the seriousness befitting a statesman. I would like to reiterate that what we have done is in accordance with the laws and the constitution."

Stating that they have filed lawsuits against the individuals who signed the declaration titled "We Defend Secularism Together," Tekin emphasized that no one in Turkey has a monopoly on interpreting the Constitution. Tekin said, "No one has the right to say, 'You will interpret the Constitution as we want; those who do not interpret it as we want are reactionary, rabid, and a minority.' This is an insult. We took this step to protect the rights of our children and parents who participated in the activities. We will see who is reactionary and bigoted," he expressed.

Tekin stated that the number of people who signed the declaration was 168, noting that the vast majority of them were Muslim, and said that statements categorizing society as a minority fall under the scope of insult.