“The place for war criminals is in the courtroom, not at the UN podium” — Erdoğan

“The place for war criminals is not at the UN podium, but in the courtroom” — Erdogan

War criminals should not be at the UN podium, but in the courtroom. They must answer for their actions and the blood spilled.

The Turkish leader placed special emphasis on the crisis facing today's international system.

“We are going through a period where the global system has reached a dead end in terms of legitimacy, representation, and justice. In particular, the region where our country is located is literally experiencing a storm of crises. For the first time in history, the principle of 'might is right' is exerting such a deep influence on international relations,” Erdogan said.

The President of Turkey, speaking about the situation in Palestine, including the Gaza Strip, expressed his determination to continue supporting the Palestinians.

“We will expose the true face of the occupying Zionist mindset, which considers itself chosen and places itself above everyone else. They have neither mercy, nor conscience, nor morality,” he emphasized, referring to Israel.

Erdogan also stated that those responsible for genocide must answer before the law.

“If those who committed genocide are not brought to justice, if they do not answer before the law and history, such atrocities will be repeated,” he said.

“The Palestinian people are not alone”

At the same time, the Turkish leader said that Ankara will continue to defend truth and justice and remain the voice of the oppressed.

“The Palestinian people are not alone and are not deprived of support. Our brothers in Gaza are not alone in their struggle for rights and justice. Turkey, with its firm, proud, and courageous stance, has not only given hope to the oppressed but has also inspired other countries,” Erdogan said.

He concluded his speech once again with the following words:

“The place for war criminals is not at the UN podium, but in the courtroom; they must answer for the crimes they committed and the blood spilled.”

At the UN General Assembly held in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke and condemned Turkey. In particular, he accused Erdogan of supporting the Palestinian group Hamas and called him a “tyrant.” Burhanettin Duran, the Director of Communications of the Turkish Presidency, responded sharply to this accusation.

“The Israeli Prime Minister's use of the UN podium to make baseless accusations against Turkey and Erdogan is incompatible with the UN's ideals of peace, law, and dialogue,” Duran said.