Grey Wolves Organization Leader Convicted of Hate Speech Against Armenians

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Grey Wolves Organization Kars Province Leader Tolga Adıgüzel has been sentenced to 7 months and 15 days in prison for using hate speech against Armenians and thus “inciting people to hatred and crime and insulting”.

Adıgüzel had used following expressions in a statement he had made following a concert of Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan and the Erivan State Chamber Choir in Kars Ani Ancient City:

“I regretfully, fiercely and vehemently condemn the concert given by some neither fish nor fowl human piece of garbage wearing priest clothes. What are they aiming at with this action? Who are their supporters inside? Which press members who have sold their souls are acting collectively with these? Everybody should know their place and watch their step. Do they want to try our patience by traitor minds from inside and outside? Should we also go on hunt for Armenians on streets of Kars? Could we give concerts in places which they consider sacred [...] ?”

Following this statement Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) İstanbul MP Garo Paylan had filed criminal charges against Adıgüzel.

Kars 3rd Criminal Court of Peace has sentenced Adıgüzel for “openly insulting a part of people for their social class, race, religion, religious sect, gender or regional differences (Article 216/2 of Turkish Penal Code)” to at least six months in prison.

Adıgüzel’s sentence has been increased to 7 months and 15 days in prison on ground that he had committed the crime through means of press (Article 218 Turkish Penal Code). He has also been sentenced to a punitive fine of 3,430 euro.

Paylan: Not leaving hate crime without punishment is promising

Paylan filing the suit has made the following statement following the verdict;

“Hate speeches cause hate crimes. In this case, not leaving hate speech against the Armenian identity is very promising for both Armenians and all other society segments in Turkey who believe in peace and justice.

“We will continue fighting against every crime involving hate speech, seeking justice and striving for peace in the society”. (ÇT/DG)