Incident Information
Date of Incident: May 28, 2023
Location of Incident: Turkey
Identifying Information of Perpetrator(s) Ahmet Hakan Coşkun, a pro-government journalist
Source: Twitter post by user @KarasoyMurad
Hate Speech Analysis
Transcription of the hate speech statement: " There is a group of people who were defeated with terrible humiliation. That's those FETÖ[1] rats. They were made to eat humble pie. The FETÖ rats are like that exactly, all of them were disgraced, whoever gets involved with them loses too, mate. This has been revealed once again. Those who work with them and hope to gain any benefit from them will lose. That's what I mean. " (verbal statement made on live television)
Target group(s) of the hate speech: The hate speech is directed against those who are alleged to be members of the Gülen movement, which is commonly referred to as "FETÖ" by the Turkish government.
Justification of the hate speech: There is no justification for hate speech. Hate speech promotes hostility, discrimination, and prejudice towards a specific group, in this case, individuals associated with the Gülen movement. Such speech is harmful and can contribute to further divisions and tensions within society. In this case, Ahmet Hakan Coşkun, as a pro-government journalist, utilizes hate speech against the Gülen movement with the intent to curry favor and gain support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the government.
Analysis of the hate speech statement: Ahmet Hakan Coşkun's statement contains several elements that contribute to its classification as hate speech. Firstly, he uses derogatory language and dehumanizing terms to refer to individuals associated with the Gülen movement, labeling them as "FETÖ rats." This language seeks to demean and diminish their humanity, reinforcing negative stereotypes and portraying them as subhuman entities. Furthermore, Coşkun's statement includes a generalization that extends the derogatory label to all members of the Gülen movement, stating, "Just like these FETÖ rats, they all laugh on the other side of their mouth." By making sweeping generalizations about an entire group, he perpetuates a narrative that stigmatizes and marginalizes anyone associated with the Gülen movement, disregarding the diversity and individuality within the group. Coşkun goes on to suggest that individuals who have any involvement with the Gülen movement will face negative consequences and "lose." This assertion creates an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards the targeted group, implying that their association with the Gülen movement automatically leads to failure or punishment. Such a portrayal seeks to isolate and exclude individuals from society, fostering a climate of discrimination and prejudice.
Contextual information: The statement was made by Ahmet Hakan Coşkun, a pro-government journalist, shortly after Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's victory in the presidential election. The Gülen movement has been labeled as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government since the failed coup attempt in 2016. The movement, led by Fethullah Gülen, a former ally of Erdoğan, has been accused of orchestrating the coup attempt, which resulted in a crackdown on perceived Gülen supporters.
Impact of the statement: Hate speech targeting a specific group can contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of that group. In this case, the statement reinforces negative stereotypes and fuels animosity towards individuals associated with the Gülen movement. It can further polarize society and contribute to a hostile environment for those targeted, potentially leading to social exclusion and discrimination.
Conclusion
The statement made by Ahmet Hakan Coşkun on live television contains hate speech targeting individuals associated with the Gülen movement, referring to them as "FETÖ rats" and suggesting that anyone involved with them will face negative consequences. Hate speech has no justification and can contribute to hostility and discrimination. It is essential to promote respectful dialogue, understanding, and tolerance to foster a harmonious and inclusive society.
[1] FETÖ is a derogatory term that the Turkish government coined to refer to the faith-based Gülen movement, which it deems a terrorist group responsible for a failed military coup in July 2016. Its US-based leader, Fethullah Gülen, denies any involvement in the putsch. The European Union and the United States have refused to adopt Turkey’s views on the group.