Celal Çiftçi, a columnist for the Turkish newspaper Şanlıurfa Olay who was placed on an international wanted list by Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office, published a lengthy statement on the social media platform X apologizing to the Azerbaijani state and people.
Yeniavaz.com presents the full text of the Turkish journalist's statement:
“I regret the hurt and sadness my statements caused in brotherly Azerbaijan. Because the expressions I used went beyond my intended meaning, I openly and sincerely apologize to the Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijani people. I respectfully ask that my sincere apology be accepted.
My aim was to express, as a journalist, my sensitivity regarding the headscarf issue and my thoughts on freedom of religion and conscience. However, while explaining my views, I should have assessed more carefully the possible consequences of the language I used and expressed myself more clearly and thoughtfully.
I have never had, nor could I have, any intention of interfering in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, inciting the people against the state, provoking unrest in the country, calling for the forcible seizure of power or the violent alteration of the constitutional order. Nor do I intend to incite religious hatred, hostility or discrimination. I reject the accusations made against me in this regard.
If my words were understood as such a call, I want to state clearly that this was not my actual intention. I reject violence, coups, threats and the use of force. I am not calling on anyone to engage in unlawful acts, and I do not want my statements to be used to justify such acts.
Azerbaijan is a brotherly state, and the Azerbaijani people are our brothers. I fully respect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I am aware that decisions concerning Azerbaijan's future belong to the Azerbaijani people and its constitutional institutions.
My concern about the headscarf issue stems from the belief that people should not be excluded because of their religious beliefs or clothing choices. I respect the dignity, rights and free will of both those who cover their heads and those who do not. I wish to express my views on this issue only within the framework of the law, mutual respect and peaceful dialogue.
I recognize that, while relying on freedom of expression and freedom of the press, I must also consider the rights of others, public peace and the responsibility that comes with the language I use. With this understanding, I removed content I considered inappropriate. I will be more careful and responsible in my future statements.
I ask everyone in Türkiye and Azerbaijan to assess this statement sincerely. I am open to criticism, but I do not want myself or any other person to become the target of insults, threats or campaigns of public harassment. I hope that differences of opinion will not turn into hostility.
I ask the relevant authorities to assess my statements fairly in their entirety, taking into account their context and the intentions I have clearly expressed here. My apology is an expression of my respect for the Azerbaijani state and people and my regret for the hurt I caused. It does not mean that I accept the accusations I have stated I did not commit.
I did not want to harm our brotherly relations. I am saddened and regret that my words caused hurt. I once again apologize to the Azerbaijani state and people and ask that my apology be accepted.
Two states, one nation.”
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