Introduction

The phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” was indeed mentioned in Turkey, but it led to arrests and controversy. Here’s what happened:

Protest and Arrests in Turkey

During a speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the TRT World Forum in İstanbul, a group of protesters interrupted the event, shouting various slogans including “From the river to the sea, free Palestine”. This incident resulted in the arrest of nine activists who were later charged with “insulting the president” and participating in an unlawful demonstration.

Context of the Protest

The protesters were criticizing the Turkish government’s continued trade relations with Israel, particularly:

Ongoing energy exports to Israel despite Turkey’s public condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza

The shipment of Azerbaijani oil to Israel through Turkey’s Ceyhan port

Government Response

President Erdoğan dismissed the accusations, stating, “Do not become the mouthpiece of Zionists here. No matter how much you try to provoke, you will not succeed”. The Turkish authorities viewed the protest as a coordinated action, citing the presence of protesters both inside and outside the forum venue.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the tension between Turkey’s official stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its economic ties with Israel.

It also underscores the challenges faced by activists in Turkey when criticizing government policies, even when those criticisms align with the government’s public rhetoric on international issues

it’s seems Turkish people know who Erdogan is rightly?