Arrest of EU/Turkish journalists by Spain following Turkey's request; violation of fundamental rights

31.8.2017

Question for written answer E-005436-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE) , Cecilia Wikström (ALDE) , Mark Demesmaeker (ECR) , Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE) , Josu Juaristi Abaunz (GUE/NGL) , Gesine Meissner (ALDE) , Lieve Wierinck (ALDE)

In August 2017, Spanish police detained two journalists, both of whom are EU citizens, following a request by the Erdoğan government. The first is Hamza Yalçın, editor of the leftist, pro-Kurdish weekly, Odak, the second Doğan Akhanlı, a human rights defender, author and outspoken critic of Erdoğan’s government.

Swedish-Turkish writer Hamza Yalçın was arrested while holidaying in Spain, after Ankara accused him of having links to terrorist groups. Yalçın is a Swedish citizen; Akhanlı holds German nationality.

Akhanlı was released in mid-August, but this does not allay the concern that his — or other EU passport holders’ — freedom to travel and personal integrity have already been endangered. The German authorities, unlike their counterparts in Spain, have not replied to 4 500 similar requests from the Turkish Government.

Is the Commission aware of these events? What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure that EU citizens of Turkish/Kurdish origin, who disagree with Erdoğan, can travel to Spain and other Member States without fear of being arrested?

What will the Commission do to free Mr Yalçın and ensure that he can make full use of his freedom of speech and move freely around the EU, as is his right according to the Treaty on European Union?