AKP supports Fazıl Say after his concerts in Switzerland are cancelled: "We condemn the cancellation"

World-renowned pianist Fazıl Say, who criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza, announced on his social media account that his four concerts in Switzerland had been cancelled. Following Say's statement, AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik issued a message of support today.

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AKP supports Fazıl Say after his concerts in Switzerland are cancelled:

Criticizing Israel's attacks on Gaza, Fazıl Say had shared a post on his social media account yesterday criticizing the process.

Support for Say came from the AKP.

AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated in a post on social media, "We condemn the cancellation of his concerts in Europe due to his opinions."

"WE CONDEMN IT"

Çelik's statements are as follows:

"A dark mentality, as if wanting to destroy all the values of civilization, is targeting university students, intellectuals, writers, athletes, and artists who oppose Israel's inhumane aggression and advocate for peace.

In this context, we condemn the cancellation of our artist Fazıl Say's concerts in Europe due to his views opposing Israel's inhumane attacks in Palestine.

Some media outlets, previously known for their reputation in the world, have turned into bulletin boards for shameful targeting.

Being targeted by these networks is an honor for every artist and intellectual.

"THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO LYNCH"

Mr. Fazıl Say's support for our President's peace-oriented approach, which defends innocent civilians, opposes Netanyahu's murderous policies, and strives for a fair solution for all segments, is a stance that should be appreciated.

A dark mentality that wants the whole world to surrender to barbarism and lies wants to silence everyone who calls for peace.

Like killers who have attached silencers to their guns, they want to kill all values.

The same dark minds, using the Russia-Ukraine war as an excuse, have engaged in acts reminiscent of Nazi book burnings, from banning Dostoevsky courses at universities to

terminating the employment of a Russian orchestra conductor.

Now, they are attempting to lynch everyone who calls for a fair solution and peace.

"HUMAN DIGNITY WILL DEFEAT THIS BARBARISM"

Let them know that humanity will not surrender to barbarism...

Let them know that we will not remain silent in the face of their politics of murder and lies...

Let them know that every voice raised in favor of the innocent will continue to be the hope of humanity...

They will not be able to deceive anyone with their politics of lies and their propaganda that is hostile to the truth.

Human dignity will defeat this barbarism.

Art will continue to respond to these enemies of truth with the alphabet of peace so that innocent children do not die."

WHAT HAPPENED?

World-renowned pianist Fazıl Say had announced on his social media account that his four concerts in Switzerland had been cancelled.

Say stated the following in his post:

“I have been removed from the program for our 4 planned concerts in Switzerland, which were to be organized by the concert organization unit of the Migros company. The company officials cited the opinions I expressed on my social media regarding the Israel-Palestine tension as the reason. Due to this decision, it will not be possible for me to take the stage with the Birmingham Orchestra at the concerts in Zurich on October 23, Bern on October 24, Geneva on October 25, and Lucerne on October 26."

A dark mentality, as if wanting to destroy all the values of civilization, is targeting university students, intellectuals, writers, athletes, and artists who oppose Israel's inhumane aggression and advocate for peace.

In this context, our artist Fazıl Say's [concerts] regarding Israel's...
— Ömer Çelik (@omerrcelik) October 21, 2023