(Washington, D.C. – 10/4/2023) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), strongly condemns the recent attack on Turkish diplomats that occurred following a conference on Turkish foreign policy held at the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism last Friday, September 29, 2023. The conference, attended by Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan and other diplomats and staff, aimed to foster dialogue and understanding on Turkish foreign policy.
The incident involved Armenian students and community members who expressed their objections to the timing of the conference, which coincided with the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. USCMO views this attack as a serious violation of freedom of speech and blatant disrespect for differing opinions.
The protesters attacked Professor Ismail Demirezen, the Religious Attaché at the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles, and other consulate staff. The U.S. Diplomatic Security Unit and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) rushed to the scene and prevented further escalation. The attack resulted in injuries to the diplomats.
“We unequivocally condemn the attack on Turkish diplomats at the University of Southern California. It is essential that universities remain safe spaces for the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. Disagreement should be expressed through peaceful means and respectful discourse, not through acts of violence.” Said Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of USCMO. “We offer our support to Prof. Demirezen and his colleagues and pray for their recovery”.
USCMO calls on the university administration, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the principles of free speech and academic freedom on campus. It is imperative that such incidents do not hinder the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, even in cases of deeply held disagreements.
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