YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Turkish political activist Barbaros Leylani who made xenophobic announcements during an anti-Armenian march in the Swedish capital of Stockholm in April stands trial. He made such chants as “death to Armenian dogs”, or “we will shed blood if necessary”, “Armenpress” reports ANF agency informs.

Leylani, who presented his arguments through video call, told at the trial that he was tired on the day of the march and had taken some drugs because of psychological problems and delivered a speech without preparing in advance. He justified saying that he did not pronounce the word “dogs” for peaceful Armenians. Answering the prosecutor’s question why he had announced that blood may be shed, Leylani said, “I said that blood may be shed in case of necessity to protect our state”. The judge asked if he has something to add, and the Turkish political activist said, “I apologize”.

The prosecutor informed that Leylani faces up to two years of suspended sentence and monetary reimbursement on the charges of “demonstrating discrimination against a segment of a nation”. The trial will deliver the verdict on Leylani’s case on December 14.

Turkish Worker's Union in Sweden in collaboration with Azerbaijanis living in Sweden held an anti-Armenian demonstration with slogans “Turk, wake up” in relation with the military aggression of Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The rally took place on April 9.

In the Swedish capital of Stockholm, Sergels square, vice president of the union Barbaros Leylani announced that “Time for the unification of Turkish republics has arrived, it is already matured”.

Leylani expressed conviction that their successors will unite “the Turkic world”. “Turks awaken, Armenian scums must be finished, die Armenian scums, die, die”, he said.

Leylani, who introduces himself as “Turkman descendent”, thanking all the present, said, “By this we show all the Scandinavian countries and Europe that we do not want bloodshed, but we are ready for it”. 

The Swedish media widely covered this incident. Numerous Armenian organizations and individuals in Sweden filed a complaint against Leylani at the Police.

Due to the stir, Leylani left his position in the organization and apologized for his expressions.