No: 237, 20 July 2017, Press Release Regarding the Statements of German Authorities

In the meeting regarding German citizen Peter Steudtner who was arrested on July 18, 2017, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Germany in Ankara was informed that the matter has been brought before the Turkish judiciary, the independence of which should be trusted, and that there has not been any deficiency in ensuring consular assistance in accordance with the rules of international law since the first day he was taken into custody.

Our Ambassador in Berlin also informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany about the same issue upon the request of the Ministry.

Following these talks, it was observed in the statements made by the Spokespersons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which may constitute examples of diplomatic discourtesy, that there was direct intervention in the Turkish judiciary and that expressions exceeding the limits were used. It is not possible to accept these statements. In the exercise of jurisdiction in our country, it is ensured within the framework of our Constitution that no organ, authority or individual may give orders and instructions to the courts or may make recommendations or suggestions.

The expressions used in these statements have once again revealed the double standard regarding the approaches to the law of those who prevent terrorists from being brought to justice by embracing the members of different terrorist organizations targeting our country.