EU condemns Turkey's arrest of academics as 'extremely worrying'

The European Union on Jan. 16 condemned as "extremely worrying" Turkey's arrest of academics who signed a petition criticising a military operation in the country's southeast.

"The steps taken against the Turkish academics who signed a declaration regarding events in the southeast of Turkey are an extremely worrying development," an EU spokesperson on foreign affairs said in a statement.
 
"They are no longer detained, but the procedures against them are ongoing."  

Turkish police on Jan. 16 detained at least 18 academics who signed a petition criticising a military operation in the southeast, triggering new alarm about freedom of expression in the country.
 
They were arrested in raids targeting 21 academics accused of disseminating "terrorist propaganda" by signing a petition denouncing military operations against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.
 
Fifteen academics and lecturers from the University of Kocaeli, near Istanbul, were initially detained, with another three academics from Uluda? University in western Bursa province later held in their offices.
 
The academics were questioned for a day before being released.
 
"While reaffirming our strongest condemnation of all forms of terrorist attacks, including by the PKK ... we restate that the fight against terrorism must fully respect obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law", the EU spokesperson said.
 
"Freedom of expression must be upheld, in line with the Copenhagen political criteria; an intimidating climate goes against this.
 
"We expect Turkey ensures that its legislation is implemented in a manner which is in line with European standards enshrined in the...