Die Linke politician Cansin Köktürk sparks controversy with viral video

Cansin Köktürk, a member of the German parliamentary group Die Linke, has sparked controversy following an Instagram video in which she uses vulgar language to criticize Israel, US President Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu. In the video, Köktürk refers to Israel as a “genocidal apartheid state” and labels both Netanyahu and Trump as “war criminals.” She also directed insults toward mainstream media and anyone holding opposing views, stating, “fuck the mainstream media and anyone who disagrees with us.”

Dietmar Bartsch, a prominent Die Linke politician, has formally distanced himself from the remarks. Bartsch stated that “antisemitism has no place in Die Linke” and noted that he does not share the views expressed in the video. While he indicated that the party would discuss the matter in an upcoming parliamentary group meeting, he noted that Köktürk remains an elected official with her mandate intact.

This incident follows recent disciplinary issues for Köktürk within the Bundestag, including a previous 2,000 Euro fine and orders regarding her conduct during plenary sessions.