Armenians in Turkey Become Targets of Hate Speech and Threats, Says Paylan

Hate speech and threats against Armenians in Turkey have intensified against the backdrop of Azerbaijan's military actions against Artsakh and Armenia. Garо Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament, highlighted in an interview with Turkish media outlet 'Duvar' that the ruling Justice and Development Party has created a 'normal atmosphere of hatred' in the country.

According to reports from Armenpress, the media outlet noted that Paylan has also been targeted in Turkey for advocating a ceasefire and calling for peace. He stated that Turkey is home to citizens with diverse identities, beliefs, and convictions. 'However, the current administration continues to pursue a nationalistic, racist, and religiously oriented policy,' Paylan remarked.

While the Turkish government stands beside Azerbaijan in the ongoing war in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenians in Turkey find themselves under siege from hate speech and threats. 'In such an environment, where Turkey sides with Azerbaijan and hate speech is directed at Armenians, we feel the deep anxiety of the dove, as the beloved Hrant Dink once said. Unfortunately, these days, we are experiencing the most profound anxiety of the dove,' Paylan quoted from Dink's last article before he was murdered.

Paylan noted that innocent civilians suffer and are affected by the war's consequences, and he sees the resolution to the issue lying on the table of peace.