The Turkish politician, who made insulting remarks about Armenians during last year’s anti-Armenian demonstration organized by Azerbaijani and Turkish population at Sergels Square in the center of the Swedish capital, had to stand in front of the court, Panorama.am reports, citig Ermenihaber.
Barbaros Leylani faces trial for making insulting remarks about Armenians
STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 1, ARTSAKHPRESS: Already former Vice Chairman of Turkish National Association Barbaros Leylani, who called for the death of “Armenian dogs” during the protest, has recently testified in the court.
Leylani has commented on his statements claiming that “being in a bad psychological state, he delivered his speech on the spot without preparing it previously”. Turning to the word “dog” he has noted that he used the remark to accuse those Armenians who support terrorism, and it did not refer to the peaceful citizens.
At the end of his testimony he said “I apologize” in response to the judge’s question whether the defendant has anything to add.
Noting that the statements made by Leylani incite hatred towards an ethnic group, the Prosecutor has asked to impose a suspended sentence and a fine. The verdict will be issued on 14 December.
One of the Swedish TV channels broadcast the video of the anti-Armenian speech, which was followed by heavy criticism. Afterwards Leylani said that he made the remarks driven out of impulses and they should not be considered threats.
However his justifications were not accepted and he had to resign from the position of the Vice Chairman. In addition to this, over 50 Armenian, Kurdish and Swedish organizations operating in Stockholm submitted applications to the Prosecutor’s Office demanding to punish Leylani.
