Hate Speech in Turkey

       The concepts of “hate speech” and “hate crime” are quite new for our county, We only got to know them after famous Hrant dink assassination; however they are present in our daily life. Most of hate expressions are committed against the minorities in society and it shows us that the concept of globalization is not that much developed in social terms; in our country and whole world. In our words, Humankind succeeded to make great developments in the fields of science and technology; but they surely failed in subjects like toleration and humanitarian values. Our country specifically, still a lot of people in society don’t want to accept the presence of people with different origins and cultures in the country. We can say that the reason of this situation is the common acceptance of being a so called “nation state” or the lack of an adequate constitution which guarantees personal rights and freedom.

Media is considered as the fourth most powerful element for society, after legislation, enforcement and judiciary. What makes the media that much powerful that it’s being the most effective way to reach people and affect them. Because of this situation, media has always been the most important weapon of Government and the Party in power.

What is required to consider a “hate speech” officially a “hate crime” is that; there must be a crime that has happened under the influence of a prejudice.  An attack which is caused by non-acceptance of a society or a group of people or caused by prejudice which is made of intolerance are accepted as hate crime. The attacks and sabotages of Turkish people’s houses in Germany could be perfect examples of what is officially a hate crime.

               Even though there is not any proposed law regarding “hate crime” in Turkey; both nongovernmental organizations and governmental organizations are working some law drafts.

       

Islamphobia hit the peak in world following 9/11. Lots of people are influenced from the concept of Islamphobia; and a lot of events against Islam and Muslim people took place around the world. This situation is getting worse day by day because of the lack of certain and disincentive laws and regulations. Here; taking a look at who is representing Islam and how those people representing Islam would contribute to solution process as well as defending the respect against any kind of belief. 

Finally; everybody needs to carry out their responsibilities for a “hatred-free” world. One of the principles of the democracy is to guarantee the rights of minorities in society. Even though it is possible to come across with hate speech or hate crime even in the most-democratic countries in the world. Government needs to step up and protect the rights of minorities and punish them who are performing hate crime.

The media needs to be much more sensitive when it comes to hate speech, articles, people’s behaviors etc.

Universal Declaration of Human Right states that all people are equal in terms of freedom, honor and respect. Coming from this point; We can make a better understanding that polyphony is a reality of this world and We can educate people to eliminate these problems.