Misleading, insulting
It was with dismay that I read the column by Ruthie Blum in your March 28 issue (“Westminster carnage, Turkish delight”). It is intended to mislead your readers with false analogies and irrelevant linkages, and is insulting, as it stands in sharp contrast to the values of journalism.
The referendum related to the constitutional amendments to be held in Turkey on April 16 will be the latest example of the long-standing democratic processes in Turkey. Simply put, this referendum is about a democratic choice on the system of government (parliamentary or presidential), but not on the type of regime. Yet in this piece we witness an awkward argument using this important vote to defame Turkey’s democratic institutions and the president of the Republic of Turkey.
Turkey’s resolute stance against the scourge of terrorism is unquestionable. For decades, its counterterrorism efforts have been widely praised on a global scale. Therefore, when Ms. Blum insinuates that “President Erdogan is happy” about the terrible terrorist attack in London or claims that Turkey is allied with terrorists, a false line emerges, given that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was among the first leaders to condemn the attack and extend our solidarity with the United Kingdom.
Her argument on the failed coup attempt is also utterly misleading. On July 15, Turkish democracy and constitutional order were threatened by members of a terrorist cult, networked on economic and political ambitions, killing 249 people and wounding thousands. The plot was averted thanks to the Turkish people’s resilience and the state institutions’ swift response.
All the measures taken following the failed coup attempt in Turkey are in line with its legislation and international obligations. As a founding member of the Council of Europe, Turkey’s adherence to the rule of law and its independent courts are bound to guarantee a fair conclusion of the related legal proceedings.
It is regretful that such a biased piece clearly contradicts the facts, as well as the values of objective journalism, which I strongly believe are among the guiding principles of the editorial board of The Jerusalem Post. KEMAL ÖKEM Tel Aviv The writer is Turkey’s ambassador to Israel.