European anti-Turkish sentiment was revived with an allegation regarding child abuse, when Ankara complained about a sign at the Vienna airport in Austria and the Swedish foreign minister's comments.
Ankara is angry about a news update at the Vienna airport that displayed a statement that falsely claimed that Turkey allows sexual intercourse with children under the age of 15. The statement was removed following harsh criticism, and Ankara expressed it "disappointment and denunciation." A written statement from the Foreign Ministry said: "We deplore and strongly condemn that an international airport, located in the center of Europe and used by passengers from different countries, was abused by a discredited newspaper to spread irresponsible, distorted and falsified messages which defame a friendly country and the nation."The Constitutional Court released late Monday a statement regarding the false claim. "The allegations are baseless," said the court in the statement after explaining the legal aspects of the matter. "Sexual intercourse with and abuse of minors under 15 continue to be classified as crimes under Turkish law," the statement added.The news ticker is courtesy of Kronen Zeitung, an Austrian newspaper that was responsible for a sign urging people not to visit Turkey shortly after the foiled July 15 coup attempt, when the news update at the airport read: "Traveling to Turkey means you are supporting [President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan." The statement, a quote from a story in Kronen Zeitung, was removed after the Turkish Embassy in Vienna complained.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström faced criticism over her remarks on Monday. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek lashed out at Wallström for claiming that Turkey allows sexual intercourse with children. The Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish envoy in Ankara to complain. Wallström wrote on Sunday on her Twitter account: "The Turkish decision to allow sex with children under 15 must be reversed. Children need more protection, not less, against violence, sex abuse." Şimşek responded: "You are clearly misinformed. There is no such stupid thing in Turkey. Please get your facts right."
On her Twitter account, Wallström had said:
Wallström received criticism from hundreds of Twitter users who criticized her for "spreading lies" and said Sweden should rethink her position as foreign minister.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also criticized Wallströmtarget="_blank"'>