President Erdogan condemns ‘digital fascism’ in human rights speech

In a powerful address at the AK Party Human Rights Education Program, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced strong condemnation against what he described as “digital fascism,” particularly in response to the censorship of images depicting Palestinian martyrs.

He highlighted the importance of the educational program in raising awareness and understanding of human rights issues.

Digital censorship and global human rights violations

Reflecting on current global events, Erdogan lamented severe human rights violations and the erosion of international norms and institutions. He criticized the international community for failing to learn from past atrocities such as the Srebrenica genocide, the Iraq invasion, and the Syrian conflict.

The President called out the hypocrisy of Western nations and media organizations, accusing them of complicity in Israel’s actions. He highlighted the double standards in their responses to global crises and their silence on the plight of Palestinians:

While they show meticulous adherence to rules in America and Europe, they deliberately withhold this diligence when it comes to Türkiye. Those who do not criticize the disgrace of social media platforms, those who do not speak against the fascism they impose, are quick to complain about Türkiye to the Westerners. As a government, we have no issues with anyone’s freedom, freedom of expression, job, livelihood, trade, or lifestyle. If Türkiye’s rightful demands are met and its sensitivities are respected, the issue will naturally resolve itself.

President Recep Tayip Erdogan

Erdogan’s most fervent remarks were reserved for social media companies, which he accused of acting like mafias by censoring Palestinian content. He labeled this as “digital fascism,” criticizing the platforms for promoting their censorship as freedom.