Turks can travel to Germany with no fear: Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has brushed aside Turkey’s warnings to citizens about traveling to Germany, saying Turks arriving in the western European country would be much safer that Germans traveling to Turkey.
“I want to say very clearly that all Turkish citizens can travel here,” Merkel said Sunday, adding, “No journalists get arrested here and no journalists get put in custody. Freedom of opinion and the rule of law prevail here and we’re proud of that.”
Merkel was clearly referring to Turkey’s arrest of a dozen of German nationals, among them journalists and rights activists, on what Germany has repeatedly condemned as vague terrorism charges.
The German leader, who seeks a fourth term in office in the upcoming general elections of September 24, made the remarks in the northwestern town of Delbrueck during a campaign event. The Conservative politician has clearly upped her criticism of Ankara ahead of the vote and said last week that she would seek an end to Turkey’s membership talks with the European Union. During the Sunday event, Merkel lashed out at Turkey for the lengthy imprisonment of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, saying Ankara had no ground whatsoever to keep him and 11 other German nationals behind bars for political charges.
“We think there’s no justification at all for him being in prison and the same applies to at least 11 other Germans,” said Merkel.
Ties between Germany and Turkey have experienced frequent lows since a failed coup attempt in Turkey last year. Berlin has been critical of Turkey’s handling of the aftermaths of the coup, which has seen more than 150,000 people jailed or discharged from their jobs. Ankara says Germany is deliberately supporting Turkish dissent, especially those who have played a role in the July 15, 2016 coup.
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