Turkey: Germany warns citizens of risk of arbitrary arrest in Turkey

Event

On Thursday, July 20, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned German citizens and firms of the risks associated with travel to and investment in Turkey in a statement on the increasingly strained relations between the two countries. Gabriel stated that German nationals in Turkey face the risk of arbitrary arrest, while firms face investment risks due to what he claimed is a weakening rule of law (e.g., politically motivated expropriations) in the country, citing multiple instances of affronts to both individuals and firms. As such, the foreign ministry stated it can no longer guarantee the safety and security of German citizens and investments in Turkey.

On Wednesday, German officials protested the recent arrest of six human rights activists in Turkey, including a German citizen. According to the foreign ministry, 22 German nationals have been imprisoned in Turkey for political reasons since the July 2016 coup attempt, nine of whom are still on remand in Turkey. Earlier on Wednesday, German media reported that Turkish officials had submitted to the German government a list of German individuals and companies it considers to be supporters of terrorism. German officials have dismissed the list as ridiculous.

Context

Germany and Turkey have been involved in a lasting diplomatic dispute, primarily over claims by Berlin that the Erdogan administration has used violence to silence political opposition in the country. The dispute threatens to disrupt the economic relationship between the two countries, which would be particularly damaging to Turkey; Germany is its biggest trade partner and export market.

Tensions have been simmering throughout Turkey since the implementation of a state of emergency on July 15, 2016. Critics of the emergency measures cite a heavy-handed crackdown on opposition elements across the country under the guise of national security. Over 50,000 people have been arrested under the state of emergency, including over 170 journalists and a dozen lawmakers. Over 140,000 public workers have been fired, including tens of thousands of civil servants, prosecutors, and teachers, and several thousand academics.

Advice

German nationals traveling to or in Turkey are advised to take into account the revised travel advice issued by the German foreign ministry.

Individuals in Turkey should expect continuing heightened security measures, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport). Avoid all demonstrations or public gatherings.