Sıla: 'I am Watching in Shock at What a Point My Words Have Come to'

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Singer Sıla Gençoğlu has issued a statement with respect to her concerts being cancelled because of her criticism against the democracy rally.

“I am watching in a state of shock and a bit of sorrow at what a point the words I said, relying on democracy, to justify my decision not to attend the democracy meeting have come to.”

“I also feel ashamed to keep you busy with these matters in a country whose agenda is full of suffering.

“Democracy is the name of the skill of respecting differences, living shoulder to shoulder with those colorful differences.

“I still couldn’t digest the fact that I had to explain that I didn’t address our martyrs or our citizens keeping democracy watch in my statement in question, and that my words have been loutishly twisted.  I am following the discussions about me in this psychological state.

“I value all sorts of comments, criticisms and stance maintained within frame of democracy and morals.

“With love, respect and goodwill…”

Gençoğlu, stating her opinion over being asked whether she would attend the Democracy and Martyrs Rally, said “I am definitely against coup but I do not prefer to be involved in such a show”.  

She had declared that she wouldn’t attend the meeting

Gençoğlu criticizing the rally had said, “I don’t want to make any explanations on this issue. Those who wanted to twist [my words] have done so of course”.

“But I stand behind my words. Aren’t we talking about democracy? So I here it is, I have told my opinion”.  

Gençoğlu was exposed to insults on her social media account following the above-mentioned statement.

The organizers of her concerts in four provinces stated that her concerts have been cancelled.  

Municipality: She has not done her duty

According to the report of state-run Anadolu Agency, istanbul Metropolitan Municipality made a statement on the issue and noted that Gençoğlu’s concerts were cancelled on the grounds that “she has labelled the struggle of the people against the coup attempt by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization [FETÖ] as a ‘show’.

Bursa Foundation for Culture, Arts and Tourism attached to Bursa Metropolitan Municipality have also made similar statement as to cancelling the concert and characterized singer Sıla Gençoğlu as “one of the artists, who has labelled the fight our people have been putting up on on the streets to look after our country as a show and thus has not shown the necessary awareness with regards to this honourable stance and will”.

No statement has been made by Sıla Gençoğlu and Sony Music Turkey regarding the cancellation of the concerts yet. (BK/TK)