Incident Information
Date of incident: January 15th, 2023
Location of incident: Kızılcahamam, Turkey
Identifying information of perpetrator: Devlet Bahçeli, Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) (Turkey)
Hate Speech Analysis
Transcription of hate speech statement: "The Swedish government's reaction to this grave provocation [referring to the terrorist organization PKK provocation in Sweden] is insufficient. I thought Sweden was supposed to distance itself from terrorism? How can we be under the NATO umbrella with this country?", "FETO[1] members, PKK members, enemies of Turks, elements of destruction, dishonourable people who are servants of foreign powers, and those who have fallen into weakness are trying their last chance. The hope of the putschists is the Alliance of Zillet[2]."
Target group(s) of hate speech: The Swedish government and those that support it, members of the Gülen movement, Kurds, Alliance of Millet (Nation).
Justification of hate speech: First statement references the actions of the PKK and the perceived insufficient response of the Swedish government. Second statement references a perceived attempt by these groups to harm Turkey and the Nationalist Movement Party.
Analysis of the hate speech statement: First statement implies that the Swedish government is not taking sufficient action against terrorism and that they are not fit to be allies with Turkey under the NATO umbrella. This statement implies that the Swedish government is encouraging terrorism and is therefore dishonorable. Additionally, the statement implies that the Swedish government is not fulfilling its duty to distance itself from terrorism. Second statement implies that the targeted groups are actively trying to harm Turkey and the Nationalist Movement Party. He also implies that they are dishonorable people who are servants of foreign powers. He also implies that the Alliance of Millet is the hope of the putschists, which is a group that wants to overthrow the government. This statement implies that these groups are not to be trusted and are a threat to Turkey.
Contextual information:
Background information on the speaker: Devlet Bahçeli is the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which is a right-wing political party in Turkey. The party has been known for its strong stance against terrorism and has been critical of the government's handling of the Kurdish issue.
Background information on the situation: The statement was made in the context of recent provocations by supporters of the terrorist organization PKK in Sweden, including the hanging of a lifeless model resembling the President of Turkey in Stockholm. The statement also references the 2023 elections in Turkey, suggesting that the Nationalist Movement Party and the President are facing challenges from internal and external forces.
Additional context: The statement implies that the Swedish government's reaction to the provocations is insufficient and that the country should distance itself from terrorism. The statement also implies that the targeted groups are actively trying to harm Turkey and the Nationalist Movement Party, and that the Alliance of Millet is the hope of putschists.
Impact of the statement: The statement may cause harm and fear to the targeted groups, such as the Swedish government, members of the Gülen movement, Kurds and the Alliance of Millet. The statement may contribute to the further polarisation of the political climate in Turkey, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. It may also contribute to the further deterioration of relations between Turkey and European countries, particularly those that are perceived as not taking sufficient action against terrorism.
Conclusion
The statement made by Devlet Bahçeli, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), contains hate speech targeting the Swedish government and several groups including members of the Gülen movement, Kurds and Alliance of Millet. This statement implies that these groups are actively trying to harm Turkey and the Nationalist Movement Party, that they are dishonorable and servants of foreign powers, and that the Alliance of Millet is the hope of putschists. The statement has a direct impact on the targeted groups, as well as an indirect impact on the spread of negative stereotypes and discrimination against these groups. Additionally, it also contributes to the erosion of trust and cooperation between Turkey and Sweden and further polarisation of the political climate in Turkey.
[1] FETÖ is a derogatory term that the Turkish government coined to refer to the faith-based Gülen movement, which it deems a terrorist group responsible for a failed military coup in July 2016. Its US-based leader, Fethullah Gülen, denies any involvement in the putsch. The European Union and the United States have refused to adopt Turkey’s views on the group. [2] Zillet is a Turkish word that means abasement. In this context, it is a play on words with Alliance of Millet (Nation), an opposition coalition of several political parties established against the ruling alliance.