Turkey: A group of associations call for the banning of festivals

Some organizations including a major association of business people in Turkey called for the banning of festivals in the western province of Balikesir, claiming that "the festivals push young people to amoral relations, to using intoxicating drinks and substances, and to rebellion."

In a statement on Friday the associations including the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD) and Turkish Youth Foundation (TUGVA), who has President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son Bilal Erdogan on its board, said:

"Subjecting our youth to drug addiction and debilitation even as they are expected to bring light the world is devastating for Turkish Century vision."

"We are calling for such festivals to be cancelled," they continued, adding:

"We also demand that urgent steps are taken to have separate places designated for girls and men in all events, to prevent consumption of alcoholic drinks and any kind of action that will corrupt the youth."