Meeting Which Minister Bozdağ Would Attend in Germany Cancelled

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The permission granted for the meeting in which Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ would give a speech regarding the constitutional amendment referendum this night in Gaggenau province Baden-Württemberg state of Germany has been cancelled.

The reason for the cancellation was announced as the lack of capacity of the hall.

About the arrest of journalist Deniz Yücel, Bozdağ had said “It is the decision of the independent courts”.

Statement by Vice PM Kurtulmuş

Following the banning of Bozdağ’s meeting in Germany, first statement was issued by Vice Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş. Kurtulmuş said:

“The meetings to be organized in Germany didn’t bear an intention of affecting Germany’s domestic politics. In a democratic country, such a ban is unacceptable in principle. The ways should be paved for both yes and no [campaigns]. These are the requirements of democracy. If you are not going to organize meetings, how will you call people to vote”.

The meeting had drawn reactions

Bozdağ’s planned visit to Germany drew reactions from various parties’ administrators as well as social media users.

Social media users launched a campaign calling for to not Bozdağ be permitted to enter Germany.

Concerning the matter, German Minister of Justice Heiko Maas said:

“The Turkish politicians to attend meetings in Germany should very well know of how freedom of the press and expression is important for us. And those who demand freedom of expression should themselves be able to ensure freedom of the press”. (TP/HK/TK)