Italy calls for release of human rights activist detained in Turkey
Italy has called on the Turkish government to set free an Italian journalist and human rights activist arrested near the Syrian border more than a week ago as he was doing research for a book.
The Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday it was working to ensure that 34-year-old Gabriele Del Grande can receive legal assistance, a visit from the Italian consulate, and be allowed to communicate with his family.
“But obviously this is not enough, because the Foreign Ministry requests that Del Grande be released, in full respect of the law,” the statement added.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on the request.
Del Grande, who is one of the leading human rights defenders in the area of refugees and asylum seekers to Europe, particularly Italy, was arrested by Turkish authorities in the southern province of Hatay on April 9.
He was later transferred to a refugee center in the city of Mugla.
Amnesty International has expressed concerns over Del Grande's situation, arguing that Italian officials have not done enough to secure his release.
In March 2016, Turkey and the European Union sealed a controversial deal intended to stem the flow of refugees from Syria and other troubled countries to Europe in return for financial and political rewards for Ankara.
Under the agreement, the bloc will take in thousands of Syrian refugees directly from Turkey and reward it with money, visa liberalization and progress in its EU membership negotiations.
Critics, however, have accused Turkey of blackmailing Europe over the refugee crisis.
Visa-free travel for 79 million Turkish nationals is a contested issue as some EU states fear it would open the doors to more migration to the bloc, which is already struggling with the biggest influx of refugees since World War II.
Ankara has on occasion threatened to walk away from the deal should it not get the visa liberalization, and accused the European Union of not sticking to a promise to grant Turkish nationals the right to travel visa-free in Europe.
Erdogan: Upholding ICC arrest warrants will restore trust in intl. system
Hamas denies reports about political bureau relocation to Turkey as false
BRICS offers Turkey partner status, says Turkish minister
What led to dilly-dallying in ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant
Palestinians flee Gaza City suburb after Israel issues forced evacuation order
Iran says will discuss key nuclear, regional issues with France, Germany, UK
VIDEO | Israeli archaeologist killed in Southern Lebanon
VIDEO | Israeli airstrike on Lebanon's army base kills soldier, injures 18 others
Sirens sound across Tel Aviv as Hezbollah fires barrage of missiles at Israeli target
Israeli ‘archeologist’ who toured south Lebanon in military uniform to falsify history
The importance of Venezuela for Iran
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
