German publisher applies to Euro court on jailed German-Turkish journalist case

ISTANBUL

A German publishing group filed a complaint to the European Court of Human Rigths (ECHR) over jailed German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yücel’s case. 

The German publisher WeltN24 has accused Turkey of violating Yücel’s right to freedom of expression, Die Welt reported on Aug. 5. 

Yücel was arrested on Feb. 27 on charges of “propaganda in support of a terrorist organization” and “inciting the public to violence,” after first being detained on Feb. 14.

Yücel’s “baseless and prolonged detention has made immediate on the ground coverage from Turkey impossible,” his publisher said.

“We’re using every legal method available to us to defend Deniz Yücel’s press freedom and that of our publications,” Stephanie Caspar, head of WeltN24, said in a statement. 

“The complaint in front of the European Court of Human Rights is another important step forward. It is unacceptable that a journalist is thrown in jail simply for doing his job.”

Yücel lodged his own complaint with the Strasbourg court in April. Last month, the body urged the Turkish courts to clarify its position on the journalist’s case.