WASHINGTON—After speaking out about the recent Turkish elections, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) was attacked on Tuesday by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin. Schiff has consistently called out President Erdoğan and the erosion of democratic checks and balances in Turkey under his increasingly autocratic rule.
On Monday, Schiff Tweeted a message directed at the Trump Administration, which has a tendency to disregard the advice of advisors by congratulating authoritarian leaders upon their “reelection” and ignoring their blatant attacks on democracy:
“Erdoğan “won” reelection in Turkey this weekend only by decimating the opposition through arrests, violence and squashing freedom of the press,” said Schiff in his Twitter post. “Turkey’s descent into autocracy is another reminder that democracy is under assault worldwide. DO NOT CONGRATULATE.”
Erdogan “won” reelection in Turkey this weekend only by decimating the opposition through arrests, violence and squashing freedom of the press.
Turkey's descent into autocracy is another reminder that democracy is under assault worldwide.
DO NOT CONGRATULATE.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) June 26, 2018
Kalin, tweeted in response, in which he told Schiff to “shut up.”
“President Erdoğan certainly does not need YOUR @RepAdamSchiff congratulations. Turkish people have spoken up. You need to shut up,” said Kalin in his response.
President Erdoğan certainly does not need YOUR @RepAdamSchiff congratulations. Turkish people have spoken up. You need to shut up. https://t.co/Z0rlzfBFcN
— Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) June 26, 2018
In response to Kalin’s tweet, Schiff said, “A fitting response from Erdoğan’s spokesman to criticism that the Turkish Leader is trying to silence his critics. Thanks, Mr. Kalin, for such swift proof of my point.”
Schiff has consistently spoken out against the rise of authoritarianism around the world and has specifically condemned Turkey’s swift descent in recent years, including before its most recent election this year.
Too bad the Washington DC beating incident was eventually swept under the WH rug. That alone shows the amount of sway Turkey and its allies hold on US foreign policy. US citizen exercising their first amendment right on US soil and in the US capital only to be attacked by foreign agents and nothing is done about it. Not a peep from anyone. You can’t make this stuff up!
Too bad the Washington DC beating incident was eventually swept under the WH rug. That alone shows the amount of sway Turkey and its allies hold on US foreign policy. US citizens exercising their first amendment right on US soil and in the US capital only to be attacked by foreign agents and nothing is done about it. Not a peep from anyone. You can’t make this stuff up!
This White House, who is in bed with Turkey and Azerbaijan, because of business dealings including hotels, of course will not condemn them. The rights of lawful American citizens demonstrating on our soil, were beaten, kicked and blooded, and not one peep out of our President. Congress to it’s credit did try and hold the perpetrators responsible. Where did it go, like you said, swept under the WH carpet…
Erdogan will not only be congratulated but he’ll be invited to the WH for a gala dinner thrown in his honor!
Mer azgayn part vor as sultan erdoran ir neman engernerov norits endervetsav. Tapandzik abatsouits vor hezor bedoutiouner ourernerou atchker panan, LAV hasgenan YETE tchen hasgetser … dendesoutioun, martou iravounkner, as bedoutiouneri zenk ardadror
Excellent proof that the Western World was right to conquer the world , set up colonies and try to civilize the rest. And the US was wrong to force its allies to prematurely grant independence. If not, they would all still practice cannibalism. In fact, most still do, but it’s now a delicacy.
Once again thank you congressman Adam Schiff for your integrity and leadership that is so sorely lacking in the United States today. As for Mr. Erdogan. You think you have “Cart Blanche”, and you are free wheeling. Wait until that last straw where the US decides they really don’t need you anymore. Remember Noriega, Marcos, Saddam Hussain, Ossama Bin Ladin and many others who got tossed out like yesterday’s without as much as a flinch. And Mr. Erdogan your people will not even be as kind to you as to just remove you from office…
Well said Armen. Adam Schiff continues to hold integrity, honesty and class in this environment of nasty, deceitful politics in Washington. Thank you for representing our community!
The world is watching, It’s a shame to see how Erdogan is dipping without respect America’s name in the mud .
Thank you Congress Schiff for your courage and honesty. Your words always give me a sense of hope and strength. Knowing there are still some brave and decent people working for the greater good encourages me to keep the faith that goodness will prevail in these dark times.