TURKEY

Both praise and criticism in the human rights report

In the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by US State Department, anti-Semitism was among the topics covered in Turkey’s report. While the report gave “Mastermind”, a documentary film, as an example for anti-Semitic comments by elected officials and media, it also emphasized number of positive steps taken by the government during the year.
Both praise and criticism in the human rights report

In 2015 Human Rights Report published by US State Department, Turkey was criticized on freedom of speech and press and judicial independence. In the country-specific report, anti-Semitism was covered under a separate section.  

The annual report prepared and published by US State Department was announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry. In the 74-page report, headlines such as freedom of speech and press, interference in private life, judiciary system, military operations and curfews in Turkey stood out. The report also included anti-Semitism under a separate headline and section. 

 

The report indicates that Jewish citizens continued to leave Turkey permanently because of anti-Semitism. The report also highlights that the anti-Israel comments by media and elected officials are generalized for all Jews.  The report states that the documentary film “Mastermind” broadcasted on pro-government TV channel and posted on pro-government web sites alleged the greatest threat to the Turkish nation was 3.500 years of Jewish world domination.  

The report also emphasizes positive developments. In that given section, it is stated that “Despite anti-Semitic comments by some leaders and media and incidents of vandalism against the Jewish community, the government took a number of positive steps during the year. The country has been commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) since 2011. On March 26, the government’s five-year restoration of the Great Synagogue of Edirne concluded, and the synagogue was reopened.”

Under the ‘National/ Racial and Ethnic Minorities’ section, Turkish Jews are mentioned. It is stated that the constitution provides a single nationality designed for all citizens and does not expressly recognize national, racial, or ethnic minorities except for three non-Muslim minorities: Armenian Orthodox Christians, Jews and Greek Orthodox Christians. The report stated that other national or ethnic minorities are not permitted to fully exercise their linguistic, religious, and cultural rights.

 

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