“Whatever the Prime Minister might think about the state of Israel, the fact is that free speech exists there and no writers or journalists are in jail,” he said on Wednesday. “According to the latest numbers gathered by International PEN, there are nearly 100 writers imprisoned in Turkey, not to speak of independent publishers such as Ragıp Zarakolu, whose case is being closely watched by PEN Centers around the world. All countries are flawed and beset by myriad problems, Mr. Prime Minister, including my United States, including your Turkey, and it is my firm conviction that in order to improve conditions in our countries, in every country, the freedom to speak and publish without censorship or the threat of imprisonment is a sacred right for all men and women.”
The war of words between Erdoğan and Auster kicked off after the Turkish prime minister commented on an interview the US novelist gave to a Turkish daily. “I refuse to come to Turkey because of imprisoned journalists and writers. How many are jailed now? Over 100?”Auster had said during the interview.
“American writer Paul Auster recently gave an interview to a Turkish daily. He said he refuses to travel to Turkey since he finds Turkey anti-democratic. He said he would not travel to Turkey because of jailed journalists. He said he also refuses to go to China. As if we need you! What difference would it make if you came or not? Would Turkey lose prestige?” Erdoğan said on Wednesday during a meeting of his Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
“This writer paid his most recent visit to Israel in 2010, as if Israel is a democratic, secular country where human rights are limitless. What an ignorant man you are. Israel is a religious state. Isn't Israel shelling Gaza?” Erdoğan had added.
