BERLIN: In a recent incident that highlights the ongoing tensions between Germany and Turkey, Goekay Akbulut, a Bundestag member for the far-left Die Linke party, revealed that she was detained upon entering Turkey earlier this month. The detention, which lasted several hours, was reportedly based on social media posts she had made in 2019. Despite this unsettling encounter, Akbulut remains undeterred, asserting her intention to travel to Turkey again and speak her mind about the government’s policies.
The incident unfolded at Antalya Airport on August 3 when Akbulut was taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Turkish public prosecutor. The warrant alleged her involvement in “terror propaganda.” The move raised eyebrows given that Germany is home to the world’s largest Turkish diaspora community. The relationship between Berlin and Ankara has been strained in recent years due to Germany’s criticism of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on perceived opponents following a failed coup in 2016, as well as Turkey’s military intervention against Kurdish militia in Syria in 2019.
Akbulut, a German citizen born in Turkey with Kurdish heritage, was eventually released after she managed to establish contact with the German foreign ministry. Turkish authorities have not provided immediate comments on the incident. Akbulut, an outspoken critic of the Turkish government’s actions, particularly its treatment of the Kurdish population, has expressed her views on her official website.
Despite her detainment, Akbulut remains resolute in her commitment to speaking out against what she perceives as injustice. On a recent post on the social media platform X, she declared, “I will travel to Turkey in October again as part of the delegation trip of the German-Turkish Parliamentary Group and, as always, will not mince my words: #FreeThemAll.” While the specifics of the social media posts that triggered the Turkish arrest warrant remain unclear, her determination to voice her opinions stands firm.
In response to the incident, the German embassy in Ankara and the consulate in Antalya have been in close contact with Akbulut. A source at the German foreign ministry confirmed these interactions, highlighting Germany’s commitment to the well-being and safety of its citizens abroad.
Akbulut, aged 40, has also been at the forefront of advocating for the lifting of a German ban on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), an organization classified as a terrorist group by both the European Union and the United States. Her outspoken stance on this issue has further contributed to her reputation as a vocal and passionate advocate for Kurdish rights.
As tensions continue to simmer between Germany and Turkey, Akbulut’s determination to speak her mind and engage in open discourse about the Turkish government’s policies underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and the right to freedom of expression, even in the face of challenges and adversity. Her willingness to confront authorities and assert her beliefs serves as a reminder of the significance of civic engagement and the role of individuals in shaping the course of political discussions both at home and abroad.
