ISTANBUL. – In response to the anti-Armenian demonstration held in downtown Istanbul on February 26 and under the pretense of commemorating the Khojaly incidents, a protest against discrimination and racism was held Sunday, again in Istanbul.  

Close to one-thousand people gathered in Istanbul to voice their protest against the anti-Armenian demonstration, Demokrathaber website of Turkey informs.                 

The participants held signs condemning racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

Journalist Yasar Guven delivered a speech, on behalf of those who gathered, and noted that, under the guise of commemorating the Khojaly incidents, hatred was spread against the Armenians and other peoples. “We shall not leave the Armenians on their own. We call upon those who bear human values to unite against nationalism, racism, and xenophobia,” Guven stated.    

In his turn, Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) MP Mahmut Tan criticized PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements that spread vengeance, hatred, and enmity.  

Also, the journalists pointed to the fact that an Istanbul Armenian and an Azerbaijani had stood side by side at the event.