Why would Erdoğan purge opponents?
Erdoğan has defeated opposition parties in every election up to date, so it is now quite absurd to claim that he is trying to purge them
Turkey repelled a military coup attempt on July 15. Some 240 citizens were killed, and more than 2,000 were injured by the coup attempters during the incidents. Following this insurrection, the Turkish state used its right to self-defense based on international law and declared a state of emergency. Thus, a judicial process was kicked off regarding the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), which was in charge of the coup attempt, and some other names claimed to be affiliated with the group.
One of the most debated operations in this process has been the one launched on the Cumhuriyet daily this week. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting the investigation, issued this statement regarding the subject:
"An investigation has been launched into the executives of the Cumhuriyet daily and the Cumhuriyet Foundation for committing crimes on behalf of the FETÖ and PKK terror organizations without being a member."
While some executives and writers of the daily newspaper were detained, the prosecutor's office also announced that they found some cash flow activities in the bank accounts of the newspaper the source of which they were unable to identify.
Those criticizing the investigation on Cumhuriyet's legal entity argue that the operation undermines press freedom. Without clarifying the problematical points, such as the cash flow that the newspaper's foundation could not explain, they are arguing that the political ruling power is purging dissidents.
It is curious to discuss an investigation of financing terrorism, which is one of the most delicate subjects in the world, in the framework of press freedom.
Claims suggesting that the ruling power and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are purging dissidents through the judiciary do not have any logical ground.
Neither Erdoğan nor the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which has been in power since 2002, need to resort to this to deal with their rivals.
In 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 (two times) and 2015 (two times), Erdoğan ran for free and general elections observed by the entire world. During all these election races, mainstream media outlets and their affiliates sided with the opposition. However, Erdoğan defeated his opponents in every election.
So, why would Erdoğan try to purge these unsuccessful rivals that he has defeated in every election so far?
I think Erdoğan is thankful for the presence of his political opponents instead of trying to discharge them and their embedded media outlets, which played a major role in the opposition's failure.
One of the most debated operations in this process has been the one launched on the Cumhuriyet daily this week. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting the investigation, issued this statement regarding the subject:
"An investigation has been launched into the executives of the Cumhuriyet daily and the Cumhuriyet Foundation for committing crimes on behalf of the FETÖ and PKK terror organizations without being a member."
While some executives and writers of the daily newspaper were detained, the prosecutor's office also announced that they found some cash flow activities in the bank accounts of the newspaper the source of which they were unable to identify.
Those criticizing the investigation on Cumhuriyet's legal entity argue that the operation undermines press freedom. Without clarifying the problematical points, such as the cash flow that the newspaper's foundation could not explain, they are arguing that the political ruling power is purging dissidents.
It is curious to discuss an investigation of financing terrorism, which is one of the most delicate subjects in the world, in the framework of press freedom.
Claims suggesting that the ruling power and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are purging dissidents through the judiciary do not have any logical ground.
Neither Erdoğan nor the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which has been in power since 2002, need to resort to this to deal with their rivals.
In 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 (two times) and 2015 (two times), Erdoğan ran for free and general elections observed by the entire world. During all these election races, mainstream media outlets and their affiliates sided with the opposition. However, Erdoğan defeated his opponents in every election.
So, why would Erdoğan try to purge these unsuccessful rivals that he has defeated in every election so far?
I think Erdoğan is thankful for the presence of his political opponents instead of trying to discharge them and their embedded media outlets, which played a major role in the opposition's failure.
Last Update: November 03, 2016 01:03