Don’t Continue Reading in Arabic” Remark: Ilire Dauti Faces Criticism over Words Directed at Afrim Gashi

MP Ilire Dauti’s words directed at Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi have sparked criticism. She addressed him with the remark: “I hope you will not continue reading in Arabic.”

VLEN MP Imerlije Saliu responded by calling on Dauti to publicly explain what she meant by the remark. According to her, the expression could be considered offensive to believers, for whom Arabic holds special religious significance.

Saliu wrote that for nearly two years she had not responded individually to colleagues, but added that there are times when silence is not a solution. She questioned whether Dauti’s words reflect a personal belief, were used as a rhetorical device, or have another meaning.

Arguing that the issue concerns respect for religious freedoms and sentiments, Saliu said the remark could not be left without an explanation. For this reason, she called on Ilire Dauti to publicly clarify what she intended to convey with those words.