According to the minister, quoted by TASS, “the expression of hatred, xenophobia and racism has nothing to do with freedom of expression.”
He also expressed his hope that the Swedish authorities would nevertheless take the necessary steps to cancel the action. And if not, it will cause “a markedly negative reaction around the world.” The minister’s statements are quoted by the TRT channel.
The official representative of the Turkish president, Ibrahim Kalin, described the decision of the Swedish authorities as “modern barbarism” and a “hate crime”.
Such an action, Kalyn said, “we strongly condemn… and regard as an encouragement of hatred against Islam,” NTV quoted the official as saying.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, in turn, canceled a visit to Ankara by his Swedish counterpart scheduled for January 27. And the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, Devlet Bahceli, said that the Turkish parliament would not approve the memorandum signed with Sweden on its entry into NATO.
