Europe hypocritical on Turkey, German journalist says

German freelance journalist and a war correspondent Martin Lejeune has criticized his home country, saying it has failed to give ethical and moral coverage on Turkey in recent years. The 38-year-old journalist recently sat down for an interview with Daily Sabah. Pointing out Germany's double standards and the hypocrisy of Europe, Lejeune said: "I am under so much pressure from German political circles just because I fight for human rights and democracy. The only reason behind this is that I support Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and say ‘yes.'" Arguing that the European Union does not favor a stronger Turkey, he said, "If ‘yes' prevails in the April 16 [constitutional] referendum, it is going to be worrisome for European countries." He said in Rotterdam on March 11, Turkey's Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, along with Foreign Ministry Officials and protesters, were exposed to fascist practices.

A number of German cities have banned Turkish ministers from attending meetings and addressing people. Lejeune likened the German authorities' decision to those of the Nazis.

In his opinion, all these actions brought dishonor to his country, as well as to Europe, and he added that the rallies were supposed to drum up support among Turkish expats for a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum.

"The violence Dutch police used against the Turks, who came to support Minister Kaya, was quite fascist, if you ask me. It reminded me of the methods the Nazi used in the past," he said.