09/04/2025 | 20:00:57 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) It is truly heartbreaking that in a country like mine—one that adopted its first constitution in 1876 and has held elections for decades—democracy and the people’s right to vote are now under threat. Like millions of citizens of the Republic of Turkey, I cannot accept the situation my country has been forced into. I have known İmamoğlu for many years. I have no doubt about his innocence. But I want you to know that for us, this is not a... 31/01/2025 | 11:46:18 First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Mister President, for your re-election and wish you success in this important position. Dear colleagues, The topic of our session is free debate, but I want to inform you about some people I know in my country, Türkiye, who are not free. You are all well aware of Mr Osman KAVALA who who remains imprisoned, despite two rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and our Parliamentary Assembly calling for his immediate release. Similarly, Mr... 29/01/2025 | 11:46:12 History education should be a key part of human rights education and a foundation for young people to develop democratic citizenship, which is based on the respect for different opinions, pluralism, tolerance, and diversity. In our Committee, we strongly believe that multiperspectivity and the appropriate handling of controversial and sensitive issues in history lessons can be a powerful tool to support peace and reconciliation in our societies. However, delivering quality history education... 28/01/2025 | 11:02:13 Thank you, Mister President. The functioning of a rules-based international relations system is of significant importance, particularly when reflecting on past conflicts and experiences. Therefore, I would like to extend my gratitude to the rapporteur and all those who contributed to the report. At the same time, I believe we must critically examine the rule-based approach to international relations. While such a system can help organise global affairs, it can also normalise power imbalances... 03/10/2024 | 18:15:43 Thank you, Mister President. First of all, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to Mr Simon MOUTQUIN for this report and his invaluable contributions to the Assembly. He has shown remarkable sensitivity in response to the devastating earthquake that struck my country last year, conducting thorough investigations in the affected areas and demonstrating significant solidarity with those impacted. We owe him our heartfelt thanks. The issue of the right to food addressed in this report adds... 01/10/2024 | 10:51:43 Thank you, Mister President. First of all, I would like to congratulate Mr Stefan SCHENNACH on this important report. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe develops effective policy proposals and comprehensive strategies regarding nearly every issue threatening democracy and human rights. Propaganda and freedom of expression are among these critical issues. This report clearly outlines what needs to be done in this regard. The protection of freedom of expression and the issue of... 28/06/2024 | 10:30:32 Thank you, Mister President. Dear Colleagues, First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to the rapporteur for his insightful report. In today’s world, humanity faces a multitude of complex threats like climate change, geopolitical conflict, the erosion of democracy and human rights, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, poverty, exclusion, and discrimination. It is crucial to understand that our current actions and policies have profound implications for the fundamental... 25/01/2024 | 18:35:57 Thank you, Mr Chairman. First of all I would like to start my speech by extending my appreciation to the rapporteurs of the Reports currently under discussion. As highlighted in the Report on the SLAPPs, SLAPP lawsuits have evolved into a global concern that demands attention not only in Europe, but worldwide to safeguard the principles of a functioning democracy, freedom of expression and the people's right to access information. In democratic societies, neither economic power nor political... 12/10/2023 | 19:45:19 Thank you. First of all, I would like to thank Ms Petra BAYR for preparing this comprehensive report on this very important topic for Türkiye. In that regard I would like to say that that I appreciate the efforts put into this matter by the Assembly and by the organisation as well, because this issue is not only a struggle to guarantee justice for one individual, but it is also an attempt to improve the overall conditions of an unjust judicial system and the damaged rule of law. As you all... 11/10/2023 | 20:03:22 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) I would like to start by thanking Mr Pieter OMTZIGT for such an excellent report on this very important topic. As you all know we are in an era of democratic backsliding. In the past decade or so, we have witnessed a rise in the number of autocratic countries and have seen in our own democratic countries, a backslide in individual freedoms and liberal values. Technologic developments in communication, surveillance, AI and spyware allowed...