Danish lawmakers infuriated over Turkey’s defense over suspect release

COPENHAGEN – Doğan News Agency

EU Minister Volkan Bozkır had slammed Copenhagen on Nov. 28 for overreacting to the release of the suspected shooter of Lars Hedegaard, an outspoken critic of Islam, in Turkey. DHA Photo

Danish politicians have reacted furiously to the Turkish EU minister’s remarks criticizing Denmark’s decision to report Turkey to the EU due to an ongoing row over the release of a Danish writer’s suspected shooter.

EU Minister Volkan Bozkır had slammed Copenhagen on Nov. 28 for overreacting to the release of the suspected shooter of Lars Hedegaard, an outspoken critic of Islam, in Turkey.

Speaking to Turkish media during his visit to Stockholm, the minister had said the suspect has been freed by a court and there is nothing the Ankara government can do about the issue.

Basil Hassan, a 27-year-old Danish man of Lebanese origin, was arrested in Turkey in April on the suspicion of shooting Hedegaard in Denmark in 2013.

The Turkish government has stated the release of the suspect was not the “choice of the executive power, but a ruling of the judiciary.”

Turkey hiding something: Danish MP

However, Danish politicians have responded to Bozkır’s statement harshly.

Danish People’s Party Spokesperson Søren Espersen called the Danish government to involve the EU more into issue.

“Turkey is attacking us for reacting, while it should be ashamed for releasing a suspect that it was requested to extradite,” he said.

“It’s time for Denmark to go to the EU and include the EU into the issue. Turkey should be clearly told that it will never be a full EU member and this issue should end here,” the lawmaker further stated.

Nikolaj Villumsen, a left-wing member of Parliament from the Unity List, meanwhile, called on government to cease all military aid sent to Turkey. “Turkey is in depression over all these accusations,” he said.