Journalist Yucel case in line with law: Turkish PM

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA (AA) - The court case involving German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, who was arrested last year on suspicion of doing propaganda for terrorists, was continuing in accordance with Turkey’s principles of rule of law, according to the premier.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Yildirim said the Turkish courts were under a heavy load due to cases linked to the defeated coup of July 15, 2016.

“The case of Deniz Yucel, like other cases, is continuing in accordance with the principles of the rule of law,” he said.

“Turkey faced a huge coup [attempt]. There are thousands of people in these coup-linked cases.

“The courts are overloaded. There might be delays due to the work load. I hope [Deniz Yucel] appears before the court soon and there would be a development soon.”

The arrest of Yucel and around a dozen German citizens on suspicion of aiding terrorist groups has become a source of friction between Ankara and Berlin.

Despite repeated calls by German politicians for the release of their citizens, the Turkish government ruled out any political influence on the judiciary and advised them to wait for the decision of the courts.