Turkey slams German statements demanding release of rights activist July 20, 2017 - 14:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey slammed Germany on Thursday, July 20 for its statements demanding the release of a German human rights activist, describing it as “unacceptable” and an attempt to interfere with the Turkish judiciary, The Associated Press reports. In a statement, Turkey’s foreign ministry said they have kept Germany’s charge d’affaires in Ankara informed of Peter Steudtner’s case, adding that “the independent Turkish judiciary must be trusted.” There were no impediments to consular access, according to the statement. A Turkish court on Tuesday arrested Steudtner for alleged links to terror groups pending trial. Steudtner was in Turkey to attend a digital security workshop for activists when the group was detained in a police raid earlier this month. Amnesty International says Steudtner was providing training on non-violence and wellbeing. Four prominent rights defenders from Turkey, including Amnesty’s country director Idil Eser, were ordered jailed. Information technology trainer Ali Gharavi_a Swede_was also arrested. It’s unclear which terror group they are accused of aiding. The Turkish foreign ministry said statements by the spokesmen for the German chancellor and foreign ministry on Wednesday constituted “diplomatic rudeness” and said the judiciary cannot be instructed or counseled by anyone. The foreign ministry accused Germany of holding a “double standard,” saying it harbors members of terror groups and prevents their trial. Already in prison are two Turkish-German journalists, Deniz Yucel and Mesale Tolu, who have been accused of aiding terror groups. On Wednesday, Germany’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that two German journalists being held in Turkey were apparently being associated with terrorists on political orders from the Turkish government. Following a failed coup attempt last summer, more than 50,000 people have been arrested and 110,000 dismissed from their jobs for alleged links to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen and other terror groups.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide  Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.Pashinyan: We must stop searching for homeland, we have found that homeland Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia.Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. |
