Pressure on Kurdish political activists, journalists, and institutions in Germany has increased recently. The arrest of journalist Serkan Demirel at the German border and his forced deportation to Switzerland has sparked outrage among the Kurdish community in Europe.
Calling the actions of the German police “unlawful,” Zümrüt condemned Germany’s policies, stating that this was no coincidence, especially in a period marked by increased pressure on Kurdish politicians and institutions.
Zümrüt noted that Demirel has worked as a journalist in Europe for many years and said: “This arrest and deportation decision is a clear violation of the principles of freedom of expression and press.”
She also emphasized that the treatment of Serkan Demirel is not an isolated incident: “A systematic policy of repression is being carried out in Germany against Kurdish politicians, journalists, and institutional staff. The arrest of Demirel and the threat of deportation are part of this policy. Today, anyone in Germany who defends Kurdish identity, practices free journalism, or participates in democratic politics has become a potential target. In recent times, we’ve seen a serious increase in passport cancellations, pressure on civil society representatives, interventions against Kurdish institutions, and unjust arrests and detentions.”
Zümrüt expressed concern that certain individuals of Turkish origin within the German security forces are actively involved in these practices against Kurds, calling it a serious issue that contradicts the principles of the rule of law.
Can these pressures be a coincidence while peace hopes are being discussed in Turkey?
Zümrüt continued: “At a time when the PKK is said to have dissolved itself and peace hopes in Turkey are being discussed, can these pressures by Germany be a coincidence? What is the German state trying to achieve by pressuring Kurdish politics? Is it standing against a peaceful solution process? If Germany truly supports a democratic and peaceful solution, it must end its policy of criminalizing Kurdish politicians who have sought refuge there. Journalism is not a crime. Nor is being Kurdish. All Kurds, democrats, human rights activists, and our friends will not remain silent in the face of this repression of Kurdish media.”
European law is obligated to protect journalists
Zümrüt pointed out that pressure on Kurdish journalists has existed in Turkey for many years: “Detentions, imprisonments, and torture are among the primary issues faced by Kurdish journalists. They fled this environment and sought refuge in Europe because they believed in the rule of law and freedom of expression here. European law provided that assurance. Based on that, people tried to continue practicing their profession. Similarly, politicians who faced pressure for their beliefs also took refuge in Europe.
Now, Germany must apply its own laws to these people. Recent allegations that some police officers of Turkish descent are orchestrating these pressures must also be taken into account. The detention and threat of deportation of journalist Serkan Demirel is both dangerous and alarming for a country like Germany, which claims to be a state governed by law. This is not only a personal threat, but a societal one. European law is obligated to protect journalists who seek refuge under its jurisdiction.”
Source: ANF News
