In the "2018 Report on International Religious Freedom" published by the US
Department of State on 21 June 2019, the fact that the leader of FETÖ
terrorist organization is referred to as a "Muslim cleric and political
figure" is a clear indicator of the ulterior motives and the circles behind
it . Such portrayal of the leader of the terrorist organization which
murdered 251 of our citizens is equal to turning a blind eye to the 15
July heinous coup attempt or supporting it. It
is a very telling example of hypocritical approach for a country who
pretends to be the defender of democracy in the world to define those
behind the coup attempt against an ally democracy as innocent religious
cleric.
Pastor Brunson was convicted because of his affiliation with terrorism, not
because of his faith. He has returned to the US after serving his time in
accordance with a judicial decision, not as a result of sanctions and
threats. Still, covering his case extensively and presenting it as a
violation of religious freedom in the report is nothing but an attempt by
the US to exploit the matter and wrongfully criticize our country.
The fact that the US Department of State does not bring forward a single
criticism about Israel's aggression towards Haram al-Sharif, one of Islam’s
holiest sites of worship, in the chapter on Israel of the same report while
presenting the reaction in our country against Israel's killings of dozens
of Muslims in Gaza last year as "anti-Semitic rhetoric" reveals the
frivolous nature of the report.
Turkey reiterates its objective to protect and promote the freedom of
religion and worship with every step it takes. Various religions and
beliefs will continue to coexist peacefully in Turkey.
On the other hand, had the US obtained information from minorities in
Turkey beforehand, the outcome would have been a much more realistic and
reputable report.