Turkeyīs president is destroying civil society, hardly noted when he was here last weekImagine a seminar in London. Around the table are Blairites and Corbynistas, Ukippers and Remainers, Scottish Nationalists and Tory Eurosceptics, Islamists and English Defence Leaguers, radical feminists and transgender activists. All discussing Britainīs political future, with deep disagreements but with mutual respect.It would be difficult to picture this in London. Still less that a similar seminar could take place in Istanbul. Yet, when I gave a lecture there last September, that was just what it felt like. I was talking about populism and immigration. In the room were students of all political persuasions: supporters of the ruling Justice and Development party and critics, liberals and social democrats, Turkish nationalists, Kurds and Armenians. They had deeply differing views, but all had a commitment to open dialogue. Related: Erdogan ends UK state visit by calling jailed journalists `terrorists` Fear and self-censorship are like smoke. It seeps everywhere, and it gets thicker every day. We cannot breathe anymore Related: Campaigners call for UK to act on rights as Turkish president arrives Continue reading...
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