Journalist Murad Bayraktar addresses German-Turks supporting the AKP: 'The people being beaten with batons are our brothers and sisters...'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Journalist Murad Bayraktar expressed his reaction to the support given by German-Turks to AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating that justice and democracy have been harmed by the operation against İmamoğlu. Bayraktar asserted that 'justice is the foundation of the state and property,' arguing that the events in Turkey also concern and will affect the lives of those of Turkish descent living in Germany.

Making statements on the Tagesthemen program on the ARD 1 channel, Bayraktar argued that the process of detentions and arrests, which began with the operation targeting CHP presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has created an environment of pressure on people who want change. Emphasizing that 'the moment of truth has arrived,' Bayraktar asked the Erdoğan-supporting German-Turks, 'Do we want a Turkey in courtrooms?'

'I AM ADDRESSING THE TURKS IN GERMANY'

Noting that ''the people being beaten with batons for wanting change in Turkey are the brothers and sisters of German-Turks,'' Bayraktar made the following statements:

''Actually, I could say, 'Wow, what is happening in Turkey, something must be done now.' Ankara should do this, or Berlin and Brussels in general should say this. Where are the reactions that should come from Europeans?

But no, today I am addressing (not the official authorities, but) the Turks in Germany in their living rooms in Gelsenkirchen and Munich, in our tea houses and sports clubs in this country. (In Turkish) 'I am addressing you.'

I am addressing you. The people being beaten with batons for wanting change in Turkey are our brothers and sisters. What do you think when you see these images?

Are pepper spray and armored vehicles, water cannons and police batons the right response to give to people who want political change or at least do not want to lose this hope?

'DO WE WANT A TURKEY IN COURTROOMS?'

Is this the democracy we want for Turkey? Erdoğan and his AKP have great support among Turks in Germany. I want to ask them (the Turks in Germany who support the AKP) specifically. Some of you say, 'The Turkish government was democratically elected.' Yes, but democracy does not end with election results. (Democracy) also shows itself in how other elected representatives like İmamoğlu are treated. Political opponents, those with different views...

Many journalists in Turkey today could not freely say what I am saying here on Turkish television. Anyone in the media who criticizes Turkey or the Turkish government must fear serious consequences.

Is this (what is happening) right? Do we want a Turkey in courtrooms? Justice is the foundation of the state. If this foundation collapses, everything collapses. (What is at stake) is the rule of law and freedom. In other words, once again, Turkish democracy is at stake. The moment of truth has arrived. Not just for Turkey, but also for us German-Turks in Germany.''

News Source: 12punto