Germany's latest ban on rallies campaigning in support of a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum in Turkey has once again raised questions about the sincerity of the European Union's commitment to supporting 'democracy' and 'freedom'.
Germany, which has previously allowed all activities in support of terrorist organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and FETÖ, has officially banned all rallies campaigning for a 'yes' vote in the upcoming referendum, scheduled to take place on April 16, in clear violation of the rights of Turkish nationals residing abroad to voice their support for a presidential system.
For dozens of years, European countries have been promoting what they claim is 'democracy' and 'freedom of speech', yet when it comes to issues related to Turkey, they immediately revert back to their fascist ways.
This approach towards Turkey was never as clear as when these countries came out in support of the July 15 failed coup attempt, and this meddling into Turkish internal affairs is expected to continue as we enter the final stretch before the referendum is held.
On Thursday, the municipality of Gaggenau in southwest Germany revoked its permission for Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ's meeting, citing concerns about overcrowding. This prompted Bozdağ to cancel his planned visit to Germany altogether.
Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci's planned address on Sunday to a Turkish community in western city of Cologne was also cancelled by local authorities over security concerns.
The German Foreign Ministry has denied the involvement of the federal government. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said her country supports freedom of speech, claiming this is a 'local decision' that is up to the provincial authorities.
Following in Germany's footsteps, the Netherlands has announced it will not allow a scheduled rally to be held in Rotterdam, which Turkish foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu was set to attend.
Thus, by banning the 'yes' rallies in Europe, this yet again provides another example of the EU meddling in Turkey's internal affairs.
The rally ban has been met with widespread condemnation from Turkish officials who blasted Germany and the Netherlands for their double standards and violation of the freedom of assembly.
