Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
On Saturday night, Turkey's foreign ministry issued two consecutive travel advisories for both European countries and the United States, expressing concern about the possibility of racist attacks.
Following the recent burning of the Koran in Stockholm by a far-right politician last week, the Swedish Foreign Ministry issued a similar warning to Swedes in Turkey to avoid crowds and demonstrations. Germany, France, Italy, and the United States issued similar warnings on Saturday morning.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry's Advisory
Initially, a "travel advisory for European countries" was issued, along with the following statement: "Recently, there has been an increase in anti-Islamic, xenophobic, and racist actions in some European countries, as well as propaganda demonstrations against our country by groups affiliated with the terrorist organization.
"These developments, which reflect the dangerous dimensions of religious intolerance and hatred in Europe, clearly demonstrate the alarming level reached by racist and discriminatory movements in Europe.
Citizens living in or planning to travel to countries where such actions are taking place should exercise caution, avoid areas where protests are likely to intensify, remain calm in the face of potential xenophobic and racist harassment and attacks, and contact local security forces, as well as closely monitor the local media, and it is especially beneficial for these countries' security forces to monitor additional warnings and announcements."
A travel advisory for the United States was issued, along with the following statement: "Protests are taking place across the United States in response to the death of a man named Tyre Nichols as a result of police brutality in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. On the other hand, it has recently been observed that there have been racist and xenophobic verbal and physical attacks across the United States.
"Our citizens in the United States and those planning to visit should exercise caution, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, remain calm in the face of possible xenophobic and racist harassment and attacks, and contact local security forces, as well as keep a close eye on local media and broadcasters.
It is especially important for US security forces, our Department, our Embassy in Washington, D.C., and US Consulates General to keep an eye out for any additional warnings and announcements.
Our citizens who live in the United States or plan to visit this country may apply at our Department's Consular Call Center, the contact information for which is provided below if necessary."
Sweden's travel warning
Following the burning of a Koran in Stockholm by a far-right politician last week, Sweden's Foreign Ministry has warned Swedes in Turkey to avoid crowds and demonstrations.
Turkey suspended NATO talks with Sweden and Finland last week after Denmark's far-right Hard Line party leader Rasmus Paludan threatened to burn a copy of the Koran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.
Protests erupted in Muslim countries, including Turkey, in response to Paludan's actions. "Swedes in Turkey are advised to stay informed and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations," the Foreign Ministry said.
"In the coming days, demonstrations are likely to take place outside the embassy in Ankara and the consulate general in Istanbul," it added.
Following Paludan's decision, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson stated his support for free speech. "However, what is legal is not always correct. For many, burning holy books is a deeply disrespectful act "he tweeted.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
