AK Parti Vice Chairman Zafer Sırakaya stated, ‘We will continue to work with all our strength to ensure that the citizens of the Republic of Türkiye and every member of our noble nation can live in peace in the countries where they reside, with their rights and legal protections upheld to the highest standard.’

In a message shared on his social media accounts regarding the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Zafer Sırakaya expressed deep concern over the growing, widespread, and dangerously normalised rise of Islamophobia and the hatred toward Islam particularly in Europe and across the world.

Sırakaya emphasised that ideologies and movements rooted in Islamophobia and racism pose a serious threat to social harmony and the culture of coexistence. He stressed that in the face of this growing danger, it is essential for all states and governments to implement permanent and deterrent measures to combat the physical and psychological violence, discrimination, and other challenges faced by Muslims in their daily lives, especially in Europe.

Highlighting that the peaceful coexistence of different communities and faiths contributes to both the reputation of states and the strength of the international justice and legal system, Sırakaya concluded:

“Countries that do not take the necessary measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of those who do not share their beliefs or fall outside their religious systems inflict irreparable harm, not only on their own societies but also on global peace, whether directly or indirectly.

In recent years, we have witnessed despicable attacks on our holy book, the Quran, within Europe carried out under the guise of so-called freedom of expression. However, the limits of freedom of the press and freedom of expression are clearly defined in the European Convention on Human Rights.
It is undeniable that openly and deliberately attacking or insulting sacred values, and those who hold them dear, does not constitute a right or a freedom. In fact, such acts are considered criminal offences under both international and domestic law. To eradicate ideologies that fuel hatred, hostility, and division across the globe, we must continue our legal and rightful fight against them.”

“We will continue to work with all of our strength”

On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Zafer Sırakaya reaffirmed that, as AK Parti, they will continue their efforts on all platforms to combat Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of marginalisation and hate crimes. He emphasised that this commitment stems not only from their beliefs but also from their responsibilities towards Turkish citizens living abroad.

Sırakaya stated: “No matter where in the world our Turkish citizens reside, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every member of our noble nation lives in peace and that their rights and legal protections are upheld at the highest level.”