German journalists' group advises against travel to Turkey

A group representing German journalists is advising reporters and bloggers against travelling to Turkey, including for private vacations.

The German Federation of Journalists cited in a statement on Thursday the reported detention last week of a German citizen accused of propaganda for a terror organisation over Facebook posts advocating an independent Kurdish state. According to German media, he was released but ordered to remain in Turkey.

Ties between Germany and Turkey were frayed by Turkey's detention of several German citizens amid a clampdown following a failed 2016 coup attempt. They included two journalists, who have since been released.

The journalists' federation urged journalists to check before booking a trip to Turkey whether they have mentioned politics there in reports or on social media and, in case of doubt, choose another destination. (AP)