News

‘Democracy and Freedom’ Have ‘Absolutely No Value Any Longer’: Turkey’s President Erdogan

‘Democracy and Freedom’ Have ‘Absolutely No Value Any Longer’: Turkey’s President Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses on February 1, 2011 lawmakers and supporters of his Justice and Development Party in Ankara. Erdogan urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on February 1 to meet his people's "desire for change."  In his weekly speech to his party's lawmakers in parliament, Erdogan described his appeal to Mubarak as "very sincere advice, a very sincere warning."  AFP PHOTO / ADEM ALTAN (Photo credit should read ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP PHOTO / ADEM ALTAN

“Democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” have “absolutely no value any longer,” declared Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a meeting with local leaders that was televised, reported DW.

“Those who stand on our side in the fight against terrorism are our friend. Those on the opposite side, are our enemy,” said the President, adding that the fight against terrorism is the country’s highest priority, trumping democracy and the rule of law.

The statements come several days after the Turkish President announced that he would broaden the definition of “terrorism” to include those who use social media and other outlets to “support” or “praise” terrorism.

Last week, a car bomb in Turkey’s capital city of Ankara left at least 37 dead and 75 wounded. The explosion occurred in central areas of the city and comes after  a number of bomb attacks that have rocked Turkey’s capital, the most deadly of which was an attack against a peace demonstration in October which killed 103 people.

Passenger Plane Flying from Dubai to Russia Crashes, Killing All Passengers
'Prehistoric' Rock Drawings Discovered in Egypt's Aswan

Subscribe to our newsletter


News

More in News

Egyptian Officer and 3 Israeli Soldiers Dead After Border Gunfire Incident

Shereif Barakat3 June 2023

Pyramids, Citadel, and Other Tourist Spots Stop Accepting Cash Payments for Tickets

Omar Auf3 June 2023

Egyptian FM Flies to Turkey for President Erdogan’s Inauguration

Shereif Barakat3 June 2023

Egyptian Sandstorm Tragically Kills 1, Injures 5

Nadia Salem2 June 2023

Smoking in Egypt is Now 0.5 Percent Less Prevalent Than in 2020

Omar Auf1 June 2023

Egyptian Law Change Allows Foreign Nationals to Apply for Citizenship

Egyptian Streets1 June 2023

Egyptian Prime Minister Welcomes Palestinian Delegation to Discuss Areas of Cooperation

Nadia Salem30 May 2023

Sisi Congratulates Erdogan on Election Win, Egypt and Turkey to Restore Diplomatic Ties

Farah Rafik30 May 2023