Minister Tekin avoids 'cult' question: 'It is not political...'
In a speech at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin defended protocols signed with religious sects, stating, "If you add them up, we have 10 protocols with structures you call 'cults or communities' and we call 'NGOs'." While Tekin's remarks drew backlash, he responded to questions regarding the matter by saying, "It is a legal issue, not a political one."
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Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin had defended the protocols signed with religious sects during his speech at the TBMM General Assembly, which drew reactions from politicians.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO SIGN PROTOCOLS"
Speaking after the completion of the deputies' speeches on the budget of the Ministry of National Education and its affiliated institutions at the TBMM General Assembly, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin said the following:
"1,167 of these protocols are with official institutions, 550 are with NGOs, and 986 are with various NGOs ranging from TEMA to the Red Crescent. Among these, if you add them up, we have 10 protocols with structures you call 'cults or communities' and we call 'NGOs'. I thank those who support us with these protocols. We will continue to sign protocols with them."
"IT IS LEGAL, NOT POLITICAL"
Minister Tekin attended the opening of the Esenler Tuna Education Valley, which consists of 2 schools and a sports hall. When approached by a microphone from Sözcü TV there, Tekin said, "We will explain it in a press conference. The matter is a legal issue, not a political one."
SHARP REACTION FROM ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel reacted sharply to Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin in a post on his social media account.
Stating, "The Minister of National Education, who says they will continue to sign protocols with cults and communities, is challenging the Constitution from the parliamentary podium," Özel asserted that he should be removed from office.