ANKARA
Türkiye’s president on Monday expressed his condolences over the death of Mevlude Genc, who lost five members of her Turkish immigrant family in a 1993 arson attack by far-right extremists in Solingen, Germany.
“Despite the great pain she experienced, the dignified and resolute stance of Mevlude Genc will continue to set an example for Europe and all humanity,” Erdogan said on Twitter after a phone call offering his condolences to her husband Durmus and son Kamil.
“On this occasion, I once again commemorate our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the Solingen massacre,” Erdogan said.
The house of the Turkish immigrant family was set ablaze on May 29, 1993 by four far-right extremists, who were later arrested and sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
In the attack, the Genc family lost two daughters, two grandchildren, and a niece.
Also sending a message of condolences, first lady Emine Erdogan said Mevlude Genc taught the world an “unforgettable lesson” by always calling for peace and friendship despite her pain.
“Racism is the common struggle of all regions. No matter where in the world one lives, such behavior that deeply offends human dignity can only be defeated by consciences that believe human beings are entrusted to humans,” the first lady said on Twitter.
Omer Celik, the spokesman of Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party), also expressed his condolences, telling reporters that Genc “became the voice and symbol of peace and reconciliation.”
“It is valuable but not enough for politicians in Germany to wish (God’s) grace to Genc and to express how nobly she behaved,” Celik said.
“There is one side that is missing. They also need to take a strong stand against Islamophobia and hostility towards Turks as well as the ecosystem in which these fascist killers live and act with the motive of killing people,” he added.
