After stating that the European Court of Human Rights decree on the immediate release of former People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş “does not bind them,” President Erdoğan stated, “This is not freedom, it’s directly terrorism-loving,” addressing the ECtHR.
Erdoğan further targeted Anadolu Kültür Executive Board Chairman Osman Kavala, who is arrested for a year without an indictment. Without mentioning his name, Erdoğan referred to Kavala with the words, “Someone who was the financial resource of terrorists during the Gezi Park protests is in prison right now.” Calling Kavala’s wealth “patrilineal,” Erdoğan described him as “the person who supports all terrorist activities dividing Turkey.”
“Those who praise the Gezi Park protests would praise PKK or support FETÖ as well, openly or secretly,” Erdoğan said. The President accused criticisms on freedom and democracy of “fascism” and the academics, journalists and rights advocates; who make these criticisms, of threatening the country’s political and economic independence.
22.11.2018
bianet.org