Erdogan: It Doesn't Matter If They Call Me a Dictator

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, stated that he does not care if he is called a 'dictator' and accused European countries of aiding the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and thus supporting 'terrorism.' In a televised speech on Sunday, November 6, he said, 'Europe is complicit in terrorism as a whole. Although they have labeled the PKK as a terrorist organization, we clearly see how the PKK operates freely and comfortably in Europe.' The PKK is recognized as a terrorist group by the Turkish government, the United States, Iran, Germany, NATO, and several other countries and international organizations. However, the PKK considers itself a defender of the rights of Turkey's Kurdish minority and demands autonomy in the country. Erdogan's latest remarks come after the United Nations, the European Union, and the U.S. government condemned the recent crackdown on critics and opponents of his government following the arrest of several members of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). Turkish security forces detained eleven senior members of this party, including two leaders and five representatives in parliament, early on Friday. In response to the criticisms, Erdogan said, 'I do not care if they call me a dictator or something else. One ear is in, and the other ear is a gate! What matters is what my people call me.' The Turkish president also defended the suppression of critics, describing the country's judiciary as 'independent' and stating that he has no influence over it. Meanwhile, the HDP faction in the Turkish parliament suspended its activities in protest against the crackdown on its leaders and members. Following the recent failed coup in Turkey, the government declared a state of emergency and dismissed tens of thousands of employees from various public sectors. Thousands of judges, high-ranking military commanders, members of the armed forces, police, and gendarmerie have also been arrested. Additionally, the crackdown on journalists and media has intensified. The actions of the Turkish government have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and several countries.