"We, as Writers, Watch this Lynching Campaign with Concern"

After journalist and writer Mine Kırıkkanat’s lawsuit against author Elif Şafak for plagiarism resulted in a verdict in favor of Kırıkkanat, discussions and a lynching campaign began on social media. Approximately 130 prominent figures from the literary world came together to issue a statement. The statement reads as follows:

“After the first-instance court decision regarding the plagiarism lawsuit filed by Mine G. Kırıkkanat against Elif Şafak’s work ‘Bit Palas,’ certain circles initiated a lynching campaign targeting Elif Şafak on social media. The content and tone of these posts suggest that their concerns are not solely related to literature. As writers, we are watching this lynching campaign with astonishment and concern. We believe that the culture of lynching, based on careless and superficial judgments and driven by a fanatical mindset, poses a new threat to our already limited freedom of thought and expression. Moreover, we consider the discussion of literary matters through non-literary criteria and judgments as ultimately undermining the creative freedom of all of us.”

”We believe that conflicts and lawsuits among writers should be examined with a serious and calm approach that aligns with the values of literature, based on ethical and legal processes adhering to international standards. We do not endorse the resolution of literary disputes through non-literary criteria. During the ongoing stages of the legal process, we demand that the dispute be addressed by a panel of literary experts consisting of writers, and that their evaluation based on literary criteria be considered in the decision-making process.

Regardless of the content of the case, our call to all writers and literary colleagues is as follows: Let us not allow any writer – often targeted by those in power – to be lynched through such methods. Let us remain loyal to the fundamental values of literature.”