The arrest of German parliamentarian Gökay Akbulut in Turkey sparks a wave of condemnation
German parliamentarian Gökay Akbulut, who was born in Turkey and has Kurdish-Alevi origins, was briefly detained during her visit to relatives in Turkey on charges of disseminating “terrorist propaganda” through social media in 2019. She was apprehended at Antalya Airport, despite presenting her diplomatic passport.
The parliamentarian, affiliated with the German left-wing party “Die Linke,” expressed her surprise upon discovering the arrest warrant against her upon her arrival at the airport.
Turkey arrests German parliamentarian upon her arrival at Antalya Airport
Akbulut had frequently criticized the Turkish government and launched a campaign to lift the ban on activities of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Germany.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that they were aware of the arrest and that the German Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate in Antalya were in intensive contact with the parliamentarian. The Federal German Government strongly intervened through various channels to secure her release.
Despite her release, Akbulut pointed out that the reason for her arrest was her social media posts from 2019, but the case was dropped before she was interrogated.
In her statement, Akbulut remarked that the incident indicates a lack of separation of powers in Turkey, emphasizing that she will not remain silent in the face of this issue.
In a press reaction, the German Federation of Journalists cautioned against traveling to Turkey, deeming it an unpredictable hazard for journalists who espouse critical viewpoints.
Frank Überall, the President of the National Federation, clarified that the arrest incident illustrates the stance taken by Erdogan’s regime towards its critics.
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