Peaceful rebellion is youth’s right: PM

Selçuk Şenyüz / ANKARA

AA Photo

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said it is natural for youths to “rebel against dishonorable actions” in a peaceful manner, as they are “the children of a country of freedoms,” speaking to young people in Ankara as part of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

“Don’t hesitate to raise your voice against injustice. You are the children of a country of freedoms. There is nothing that limits you. There is nothing more natural than for youths to increase their voice with rebellious emotions against any action that damages human honor. Do not shut your eyes to injustice,” Davutoğlu told a group of young people early on May 19.  

“Even if we are doing these things, say ‘Mr. Prime Minister, this is not the right way to do it.’ But do not resort to violence or allow a culture of hatred,” he added.

Meanwhile, Davutoğlu also slammed the Doğan Media Group over an editorial published in its daily Hürriyet on May 19 addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking in a rally in Black Sea province of Zonguldak on May 19.

“Doğan Media is now talking about freedoms. This media group insulted women with headscarves during the Feb. 28 era. Today it has responded to the president in an editorial. It has written an editorial addressing me before. I call on them from here: We have all respect for the freedom of the media, but everyone should know their position and stance,” Davutoğlu said during the rally. 

“If you make any provocative publishing ahead of the elections, we will not remain silent. Everyone will receive the treatment they deserve,” he added.

“I am not a prime minister with which you can meet wearing your pajamas. You can’t give us instructions. You cannot shape us with your editorials. We do not get our power from you. We get our power from God and the people,” Davutoğlu said.