40 CSOs in US slam hate speech being used by gov’t officials


Date posted: February 6, 2014

NEW YORK

A total of 40 civil society organizations serving in various states of the US under the umbrella of the Houston-based Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE) have criticized the hateful language adopted by top government officials after a major corruption scandal erupted back in December, saying that society is deliberately being polarized by these officials.

The CSOs held a joint press conference on Thursday in New York to show their disapproval for what they see as the government’s use of hate speech and its launch of a defamation campaign against the Hizmet movement that was inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. They said that a large-scale propaganda campaign has been conducted against the movement and Gülen by some circles close to the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government since news of the corruption scandal broke out and implicated three former Cabinet ministers’ sons and many state bureaucrats and well-known businessmen. Government officials have accused the Hizmet movement of participating in a “plot” and using the corruption investigation to damage the government.

TCAE President Kemal Öksüz said that the attempts by politicians to block the ongoing bribery and corruption investigation have dealt a huge blow to rule of law in Turkey. He said that those political interventions have caused serious damage to stability and the peaceful environment in the country. Öksüz also underlined that the Turkish economy is at risk due to some unpleasant developments that have taken place since the corruption scandal erupted.

Stating that he is speaking on behalf of over 40 CSOs, Öksüz strongly criticized the language of hate being used by top government officials and said that they are deliberately polarizing society. Öksüz said that gains in social development over the last few years are being lost due to the undemocratic attitude of government officials. He said that this situation doesn’t comply with the principles of a democratic country.

Indicating that the Hizmet movement and Gülen have been exposed to ruthless and underhanded accusations by circles close to the AK Party government, Öksüz said that the defamation campaign against the movement has upset many people who are serving Turkey. The TCAE president also said that many American intellectuals, who define themselves as friends of Turkey and who have visited the country several times, said the recent developments in Turkey are very concerning and dangerous in terms of the nation’s process of democratization and its bid to become an EU member.

Saying that Turkey’s existence has served as a response to the Western perception that Islam cannot coexist with democracy and social development, Öksüz said, “Unfortunately, the fact that the government has slowed down its democratic initiatives and has been backtracking over the last few years has made people upset” — implying that perhaps Turkey is moving away from its image as a democratic Islamic nation.

The TCAE has directed many activities to promote Turkey in the US, Öksüz said, adding that they were given many congratulations and thanks both from the US and the Turkish Republic for their efforts. He said the organization will continue to direct activities promoting Turkey in the US with pride. The organization’s president also added that the activities and projects of TCAE are inspired by the principles of Gülen.

Source: Todays Zaman , February 6, 2014


Related News

Egypt’s Turkish schools reject Akşam and A Haber TV reports

The administration of the Turkish Salahaldin International Schools based in Egypt has sent a correction to the Akşam daily and A Haber TV station, stating that two recent reports about Turkish schools in Egypt appearing in the pro-government media outlets were baseless and false.

Bank Asya recovers from gov’t provocation

The clampdown on the Bank Asya first started with a defamation campaign run by pro-government media outlets and was later followed by a claim by Interior Minister Efkan Ala, who asserted that the bank had made extraordinary profits on the foreign currency market. All these allegations were refuted by the bank, which published their currency transactions; the central bank has confirmed that there has been no wrongdoing by the bank.

Gov’t steps up campaign against Hizmet via terrorism accusations

The government has intensified its campaign against the Hizmet movement, a civil society initiative inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen’s teachings promoting interfaith dialogue, peace and tolerance, by putting Gülen on a list of wanted terrorists despite the move lacking any legal basis.

On Hizmet: Why do I not criticize it?

Hizmet believes a termination plan on Hizmet, which was drafted back in 2004, is now in action. Hizmet has been defending itself via media or various platforms. If false evidences or documents are not fabricated, the only basis of those against Hizmet is the opposition and outcry of the pro-Hizmet media.

Why Erdogan Snubbed Biden

What is going on in Turkey right now reminds me very much of the last few scenes in the first Godfather movie, where Michael Corleone is settling all of the Family’s outstanding business. Corleone is seen in church renouncing “Satan and all his works” while he participates in the baptism of his nephew—shortly before garroting the baby’s father, Carl.

AK Party promises more despotism if it wins big in local polls

Since the Dec. 17 corruption and bribery probe, Prime Minister Erdoğan has threatened to order an “operation” against certain civil society organizations and business groups that have voiced demands for the prime minister and his government to be held accountable in the face of alleged irregularities.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

12 detained for raising funds to help families of jailed Gülen sympathizers

Bosnia and Herzegovina Court rules that Keskin must not be deported to Turkey

Interview about Hizmet Movment at Maxwell School of Syracuse University

Diagonal Dialogue from Turkey to Senegal

Fethullah Gulen Condemns the Terrorist Attack in Lahore, Pakistan and Extends Condolences to Relatives of Victims

Top judge, paralysed after cancer surgery, under arrest at hospital

Said-i Nursi: An Ottoman Scholar in Turkish Republic

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News