Press releases

The German television channel ARD, within the series entitled "Tatort“ made by the North German Television and Radio Corporation NDR, broadcast an episode offensive to our citizens on 23 December 2007 .

The ugly intimations and allegations contained in the said broadcast have deeply hurt our entire nation and in particular our Alevite citizens who are deeply attached to the Islamic religion and to family traditions that constitute one of the most important traits of our nation.We believe that the freedoms of faith, thought, expression and broadcast, requiring respect on a universal basis and under the protection of both the Turkish constitution and the relevant legislation, should be used in a way that improve intercultural dialogue and tolerance. Freedom of broadcast cannot be a pretext todepart from this goal and to violate human dignity.

We also believe that it is the most natural right of our citizens living abroad and especially in Germany where the television series were broadcast, to express their justified reactions within democratic rules and through actions which do not upset public order, and that they do so with the moderation that is an integral part of their culture and beliefs.We expect the parties responsible for the broadcast of the television series inquestion to apologize to the Alevites as well as to the entire public opinion.

Republic of Turkey - Ministry of Foreign Affairs