The German newspaper Deutsche Welle accused Turkey of “blatant violation of press freedom” after Turkish authorities seized the German journalists an interview with the Minister of youth and sports of Turkey.
According to the newspaper, during an interview with the Chagatai Akif Kilic to transfer “the conflict Zone” the host asked the officer not only pre-determined questions, but also asked about a failed coup attempt and the ensuing purges, as well as on the situation of human rights and the media in Turkey.
Immediately after the conversation, which took place in the Ministry, Kilic left the room, and his press Secretary said that journalists will not be able to release the interview, after which the employees of the Ministry took journalists entry.
“They were given to understand that the crew will not be able to leave the Ministry with this record,” – said on the newspaper’s website.
DW said that several times appealed to the Ministry requesting to take interview but it was refused.
“The questions were not planned. (…) Some of the statements were in fact accusations. In such a situation, the permission was not given,” was the reply of the press service of the Ministry.
