25.02.2026 12:51
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin stated, "We have filed a lawsuit against the 168 individuals who published the 'We Defend Secularism Together' declaration, which includes writers, academics, artists, journalists, and representatives of professional chambers."
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin made statements to the press before the AK Party Group Meeting.
"WE FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST 168 PEOPLE"
Minister Tekin stated, "We filed a lawsuit against 168 people who published a secularism declaration."
Continuing his remarks, Tekin said, "It is our duty to ensure that all citizens receive maximum education in their fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination, and to introduce our children to education that internalizes these values within the framework of national unity and justice. Citizens who value national unity and solidarity, non-governmental organizations, and political parties have taken ownership of this process.
GRAVITY SUITABLE FOR A STATESMAN
Yesterday, I express my gratitude to MHP Chairman Bahçeli for his speech. He made a statement with the gravity suitable for a statesman, taking ownership of the process. I want to reiterate that what we have done is in accordance with the laws and the constitution. You will interpret the constitution as we wish; attacking those who do not interpret it as a reactionary, unruly minority is an insult. We took this step to protect the rights of our students, parents, and teachers participating in these events. 168 people are interpreting the religious beliefs and practices of a society that is 99% Muslim from their own perspectives, placing them in a minority class. This is the intellectual manifestation of totalitarianism. Everyone who is subjected to insults should appeal to the judiciary," he said.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Among the 168 writers, artists, academics, journalists, and representatives of professional chambers, including names like Korkut Boratav, Oğuzhan Müftüoğlu, Hayri Kozanoğlu, Merdan Yanardağ, İlhan Cihaner, Melike Demirağ, Ayşe Kulin, Müjde Ar, Şükrü Erbaş, Rutkay Aziz, Canan Güllü, and Timur Soykan, a text titled "We Defend Secularism Together" was written, stating, "The political Islamist regime is dragging Turkey step by step into the reactionary swamp of the Middle East by clinging to the rope of the USA and Trump. Defending secularism is not a crime. We defend secularism together, we reject the impositions of sharia!"