The Federal Foreign Office has tightened its travel advice for Turkey and warns the German citizens more clearly than in the previous version before criticism of social media critical of the government. "In addition, such statements, which are covered by the German legal understanding of the freedom of expression, give rise to a criminal case in Turkey," it says in the updated passage on the homepage of the Foreign Office.
Sufficient for prosecution in individual cases already sharing or "liking" a foreign contribution corresponding content. "It has to be assumed that non-public comments on social media will also be forwarded to the Turkish law enforcement authorities through anonymous denunciation."
If convicted for "presidential infidelity" or "propaganda for a terrorist organization," those affected might risk a multiple-year prison sentence. Further arrests were based on the suspicion that the person concerned was in contact with a terrorist organization in Turkey, such as the Gülen movement.
Reasons for refusal of entry mostly unknown
Affected by the mentioned measures are in particular, but not exclusively, German nationals with close private and personal ties to Turkey as well as persons, who besides the German also have the Turkish nationality, it is said.
In view of refusals of entry refusal for German nationals it is said in the updated version on Tuesday: "Although the background of the refusals of entry are generally not communicated, a connection with anonymous denunciations can not be ruled out Turkish-Alevite family background. "
The Federal Government had drastically tightened travel advice on 20 July 2017 in response to the arrest of German human rights activist Peter Steudtner. This was a core element of a new, tougher Turkey policy of the Federal Government. This was preceded by more than 20 arrests of German citizens for political reasons since the failed coup attempt in 2016.
After the repeal of the state of emergency in Turkey this summer, the Foreign Ministry had slightly defused the travel advice for the popular with German tourists holiday country again.