German MP Arrested in Türkiye

  A member of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, who is a representative of citizens of Turkish descent, claimed to have been arrested at Antalya airport during a visit to Turkey, although he was eventually released. Gokay Akbulut, who belongs to the German Left Party, was quoted as saying by the Cumhuriyet newspaper, Sunday (13/8/2023) that he was aware that an arrest warrant had been issued for him at a Turkish airport, but the German government intervened and so he was released. According to German media, the reason for Akbulut's arrest at Antalya airport was his ongoing protests against the Turkish government, and his efforts to lift the ban on PKK activities in Germany.

The member of the German Parliament from the Left Party explained that the Kayseri Province court had issued an arrest warrant against him for allegedly spreading acts of terror. "When I arrived at the Turkish airport, I realized that the Kayseri Court had issued an arrest warrant for me. Before I could express my views on this matter, within a few hours the matter was resolved. I would like to thank the German Foreign Ministry for their swift work," he said. Gokay Akbulut continued, "This incident once again confirms that in Turkey, there is no division of power. Don't worry, I am not afraid of being arrested." (HS)