Demirel Denies Existence of Report Insulting Islam

Stories in the media that an official report on the activities of Fethullah Gülen and his followers which was read out at a recent meeting of the National Security Council (MGK) contained passages that were insulting to the Islamic religion have caused distress among high-level government officials.

In a story entitled, "A report submitted to the National Security Council," Sabah newspaper claimed that the document contained insults to the Islamic faith, the Koran and the Prophet.

The claim, which was reported by several Islamist newspapers and television stations, has been denied by President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit as well as the General Secretariat of MGK and the Directorate of Religious Affairs.

These media reports have been seen as an "attempt to incite people" due to the fact that the claims were made on a day which has special meaning for Muslims, the evening of the Feast of the Prophet's birthday.

Although debates held at MGK meetings are strictly confidential, meaning that any reports on their contents are purely speculative, the story has grown to the point where top level government officials have felt compelled to respond.

In the wake of the Islamist media's insistence that the allegations are true, President Demirel was forced to issue a statement saying: "I regret that such accusations and slander have been directed at the MGK. The MGK should not be bound by anything except its own statements. Under these circumstances, scenarios and imaginary reports are being created and they are being accepted as if they are true and discussions are being held on television and radio channels on them and wrong conclusions are being reached."

Demirel pointed out that Turkey is a country where 99.9 percent of the population is Muslim and where the freedom of religion and conscience is guaranteed as the main principle of secularism.

"Therefore, it is inconceivable to damage respect for religious beliefs," Demirel continued. "However, the abuse of the religious beliefs of the public, as with any abuse that weakens the democratic secular republic, is not allowed. The alleged report that has been discussed for the last few days is one of these. There was no such report submitted to the high officials of the government and read in the MGK meeting.

"Under these circumstances, I regret that such accusation, slander and defamation has been directed at the MGK and various other institutions," the president added. 06.28.1999