I am deeply disappointed by the news from Istanbul. After two weeks in police custody, Deniz Yücel will now be held on remand for an indefinite period. This decision is far too severe and therefore also disproportionate. It neither takes into account freedom of the press and freedom of opinion, precious commodities in every democracy, nor the fact that Deniz Yücel handed himself in to the Turkish authorities and has stated his readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation.

These are dramatic times for Turkey, as well as difficult times for German-Turkish relations.

The case of Deniz Yücel drastically highlights the differences which our two countries evidently have when it comes to applying rule of law principles and how we regard freedom of the press and freedom of opinion.

We have every reason to raise this issue with Turkey and to make our views known in no uncertain terms.
We are determined to do everything we can to ensure that Deniz Yücel is set free soon and that the proceedings end well.