News Center – During the match between Bursaspor and Somaspor on December 16, the sexist and abusive chants of a group of fans targeting Kurdish politician Leyla Zana became a hot topic in Türkiye. While the hate language in the stands attracted great reaction, the issue was brought to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
Insulting chants rising from the stands during the match quickly spread on social media.
Thousands of users expressed their reactions against hate language with the hashtag “#LeylaZanaisOurHonour” and called on the authorities to take action.
Harsh reaction from DEM Party MPs
While the repercussions of the incident continued, DEM Party MPs took the floor at the General Assembly of the Parliament, condemning what happened and calling for a legal process to be initiated.
“An investigation should be launched immediately”
DEM Party Van Deputy Zülküf Uçar drew attention to the increasing racist discourses in stadiums and said:
“In recent years, there have been many matches in which the Kurdish people were insulted, especially JITEM praise and White Toros threats in Amedspor matches. Finally, in the Bursaspor-Somaspor match, insulting chants were made about Leyla Zana, who is the political value of the Kurdish people. Judicial investigations should be initiated immediately about these racist statements, which took place on the day the President made a statement about the language of brotherhood, and those responsible should be punished.”
“Leyla Zana is the honor of the Kurdish people”
Other MPs who spoke at the General Assembly also used a common language against the attack against Zana.
DEM Party Urfa Deputy Dilan Kunt Ayan started her speech by bringing up this insult.
Ayan said, “Our first words are to the racists who attacked Leyla Zana: Leyla Zana is the honor of the Kurdish people, Leyla Zana is history; her struggle will transform you too, have a little patience.”
At the end of his speech, DEM Party Şırnak Deputy Mehmet Zeki İrmez said, “My last word to the fascists: Leyla Zana is the honor, value and history of the Kurdish people.”
DEM Party Istanbul Deputy Celal Fırat said, “We have a word to say to those who attacked Leyla Zana: Leyla Zana is the honor of the Kurdish people, her struggle will definitely transform you one day.”
