German rally ban is fascist, Turkish justice min. says

By Esma Kucuksahin and Onder Felek

YOZGAT, Turkey (AA) - The justice minister lashed out again Saturday at Germany, calling the barring of Turkish ministers from holding public rallies in two German cities ahead of the April 16 referendum in Turkey an act of "fascism".

“This act against us is a fascist practice, which violates democratic values," Bekir Bozdag told reporters in the central province of Yozgat.

"This not only tramples the German Constitution, but also the Declaration of Human Rights to which Germany is a party," he said, adding the move also prevented the Turkish community in the country from exercising their right to assembly, and freedom of expression.

Bozdag said if the purpose of the ban was an attempt to affect the outcome of the referendum, it would not work.

"Turkish people do not submit to foreign countries’ will when voting, they follow their own hearts, and work their own will," he added.

On Thursday, the municipality of Gaggenau in southwest Germany revoked its permission for Bozdag's meeting, citing concerns about overcrowding. This prompted Bozdag to cancel his planned visit to Germany altogether.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci’s planned address on Sunday to a Turkish community in western city of Cologne was also cancelled by local authorities over security concerns.

The bans have drawn strong criticism from the Turkish government and opposition.

The measures follow calls from German opposition parties and media for a blackout on Turkish politicians ahead of the referendum on constitutional reforms, including the crucial change to a presidential system of governance.

The German Foreign Ministry has denied involvement of the federal government. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said her country supports freedom of speech.