Stephenson, who gave lectures at Istanbul’s Bilgi University, had lived in Ankara for the last 25 years. He was accused of campaigning in favor of Kurdish separatists by handing out leaflets. He disputed this saying that the leaflets were invitations to celebrate the Novruz holiday, which is a Kurdish festival.
The lawyers representing Stevenson intend to appeal the decision of his deportation. The academic himself, refusing to stay at the migrant’s center during the trial period, left Turkey along with his family. His wife is a Turkish national.
In his interview to Sputnik Chris Stephenson expressed deep regret that he was forced to flee Turkey just because of one leaflet.
“I think it's a big mistake for Turkey, because the academics affixed their signatures to this petition in order to achieve peace. Their arrest threw us all far back on the path to a peaceful life. There is false information that I was distributing leaflets calling for the PKK. I did not hand out anything to anyone. All that I had were invitations of a legitimate political party. I never supported violence. I want peace and have always stood up for peace.”
Stephenson further said, “The restriction of freedom and avoiding the use of peaceful methods will have a devastating impact on the Turkish people. Turkey needs peace.
I say this as a teacher who has lived here for 25 years. We all need peace. I have done a lot in order to achieve this and I think this is a very important point.”
Stephenson further said that he did not intend to leave Turkey forever. He said that he will use all legal means in order to remain in the country. “My lawyers are waiting for clarification on the judgment of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Then they will turn to the Administrative Court against the decision.”
