X POST OF CEM KÜÇÜK

Incident Information

Date of Incident: July 15, 2021

Location of Incident: Turkey

Identifying information of Perpetrator(s) Cem Küçük, Journalist

Source: https://twitter.com/cemkucuk55/status/1415585093733818369

Hate Speech Analysis

Transcription of the hate speech statement: Let’s remember once again: Every Fetullah supporter is a ‘’terrorist’’. (Bir kez daha hatırlayalım: Her Fetullahçı ‘’teröristtir’’.)’’

Target group(s) of the hate speech: The hate speech in this news is directed against the members of Gülen movement.

Justification of the hate speech: There is no justification for hate speech. Hate speech is generally rooted in prejudice, intolerance, and a desire to demean or harm individuals based on their true or perceived affiliation, characteristics or beliefs.

Analysis of the hate speech statement: The perpetrator refers to Gülen movement and its members because the perpetrator uses the term ‘FETÖ’ in his statement. It is important to acknowledge that “FETÖ” is a derogatory label used by the Turkish government to stigmatize and marginalize followers of Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar residing in the United States. The deliberate usage of this term on news perpetuates negative stereotypes and contributes to the stigmatization of individuals associated with the Gülen movement. It is important to recognize that hate speech targets specific groups or individuals based on their characteristics, affiliations, or beliefs, and serves to demean, marginalize, or incite hatred towards them. By employing the term “FETÖ” to refer to individuals allegedly affiliated with the Gülen movement, the statement contributes to the amplification of discriminatory and harmful rhetoric. Such language further reinforces negative perceptions, fuels social division, fans the flame of hatred and can lead to the marginalization and discrimination of the targeted group.

Contextual information: Hate speech is a part of Cem Küçük’s X Post and publicly targets the Gülen movement. The term “FETÖ” is a derogatory term used by the Turkish government to describe the Gülen movement, which it considers a terrorist group responsible for the failed military coup in July 2016. The movement’s leader Fethullah Gülen, who lives in the United States, denies that the Gülen movement had anything to do with the coup attempt. The European Union and the United States have refused to adopt Turkey’s views on the group. The content of the statement shows the potential misuse of the term “FETÖ” to label and stigmatize people associated with the Gülen movement.

Impact of Hate Speech: The use of the term “FETÖ” leads to further stigmatization and discrimination against people linked to the Gülen movement and legitimizes arbitrary detentions. It has the potential to perpetuate negative stereotypes and create a hostile environment for this specific group.

Conclusion

Cem Küçük’s statement contains hate speech due to the use of the pejorative term “FETÖ” to refer to individuals associated with the Gülen movement. Hate speech targets specific groups or individuals on the basis of their characteristics, affiliation or beliefs and serves to demean, marginalize or incite hatred towards them. The use of such hate speech perpetuates negative stereotypes, contributes to the stigmatization of individuals and fosters an environment of discrimination and social division. It is crucial to recognize the harmful effects of hate speech and to promote responsible journalism that upholds the principles of equality, fairness and respect for all individuals, regardless of their affiliation or background.