French President Emmanuel Macron said that during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Paris on Friday, the two had disagreements about how they viewed human rights.

Macron said he'd raised concerns with the Turkish leader about the fates of teachers, students, and journalists who have been targeted by a widespread crackdown following a failed 2016 coup attempt, some of whom are currently imprisoned.

"Our democracies must be strong standing up to terrorism ... But at the same time, our democracies must completely protect the

rule of law," Macron said at a strained joint press conference with Erdogan.

Erdogan fired back that some journalists are responsible for nurturing "terrorists" through their writing.

"Terror doesn't form by itself. Terror and terrorists have gardeners," the Turkish leader said. "These gardeners are those people viewed as thinkers. They water (terror) with the columns in their newspapers."

"And one day, you find, these people show up as a terrorist in front of you," Erdogan added.

Earlier, Amnesty International, whose Turkey head Taner Kilic was among those jailed after the coup attempt, urged Macron to "strongly remind (Erdogan) that human rights defenders are not terrorists."

The trip, which was intended to improve Turkey's relations with the European Union, was Erdogan's first to the French capital since the failed coup attempt in July 2016. The widespread crackdown on alleged dissidents that followed has been roundly condemned by EU leaders.

Erdogan warns French journalist over question

Erdogan also grew visibly upset by a question about Syria asked by a French journalist during the press conference.

The French reporter asked him about a 2015 story by the Cumhuriyet newspaper about Turkey allegedly sending weapons to Islamist rebels in Syria. Erdogan has repeatedly blamed the resulting scandal over the story, as well as the botched coup, on US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Watch video 02:33 Share Turkey: Defending human rights Send Facebook google+ Whatsapp Tumblr linkedin stumble Digg reddit Newsvine Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/2o6AK Turkey: Human rights defenders show support

"When you ask your questions, be careful on this point. And do not speak with the words of another," Erdogan warned the reporter, raising his hand.

"And I want you to know, you do not have someone before you who will easily swallow this."

The French reporter could be heard saying: "I am speaking as a journalist."

Read more: Germany and Turkey in 2017: a rollercoaster relationship

Erdogan's visit also prompted its share of protests, most notably from women's rights group Femen. A number of women, clad as topless waitresses, demonstrated near the Elysee Palace by handing out menus offering "minced human rights" and "boiled journalists."

Among his numerous disparaging comments of women, the Turkish president has in the past stated that motherhood should be a woman's priority and birth control is not for Muslims.

'No progress' possible on EU membership

Macron also said on Friday that progress on Turkey's EU membership bid isn't currently possible due to human rights concerns in the country.

"For relations with the European Union, it is clear that recent developments and choices allow no progress in the process," Macron said.

In response, Erdogan told Macron that Turkey is getting tired of waiting for EU membership.

"This is seriously exhausting us. Maybe this will force us to take a decision," the Turkish leader said without specifying what that decision might be.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? The Böhmermann affair March 31, 2016: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan filed charges against German comedian and satirist Jan Böhmermann over his "defamatory poem" about the Turkish leader. German prosecutors eventually dropped the charges on October 4, 2016, but the case sparked a diplomatic row between Berlin and Ankara.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? German lawmakers pass resolution to recognize 1915 Armenian Genocide June 2, 2016: The resolution passed almost unanimously. In response, Turkey recalled its ambassador in Berlin and Germany's Turkish community held protests in several German cities. Turkey had repeatedly criticized the use of the term genocide to describe the Ottoman-era Armenian killings, arguing that the number of deaths had been inflated, and that Turkish Muslims also perished in the violence.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Tensions following failed coup in Turkey July 15, 2016: A faction of the Turkish military tried to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but ultimately failed. Ankara accused Berlin of not taking a clear stand against the coup attempt or not doing anything about exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen's organization, who Erdogan blames for orchestrating the failed coup.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Germany criticizes post-coup purge Immediately following the attempted coup, Turkish authorities purged the army and judiciary, detaining thousands of people. The purge expanded to include civil servants, university officials and teachers. German politicians criticize the detentions. Turkish diplomats, academics and military members fled the country and applied for asylum in Germany.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Kurdish rallies in Cologne Erdogan's post-coup crackdown has also been condemned by Kurdish protesters at several mass demonstrations in the west German city of Cologne. Often the rallies have called for the release of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers to be a terror group. Ankara has accused Berlin of not doing enough to stop PKK activities.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Arrest of German citizens in Turkey February 14, 2017: Deniz Yücel, a correspondent for the "Welt" newspaper, was taken into custody in Turkey. Other German nationals, including journalist Mesale Tolu and human rights activist Peter Steudtner were detained in Turkey for what Berlin dubbed "political reasons." Turkey accused them of supporting terrorist organizations. All three have since been released pending trial.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Germany bans Turkish referendum rallies March 2017: A number of German localities blocked Turkish ministers from holding rallies in their districts ahead of an April referendum in Turkey to enhance President Erdogan's powers. The Turkish leader then accused Germany of using "Nazi tactics" against Turkish citizens in Germany and visiting Turkish lawmakers. German leaders were not amused by the jibe, saying Erdogan had gone too far.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Spying allegations March 30, 2017: Germany accused Turkey of spying on hundreds of suspected Gulen supporters as well as over 200 associations and schools linked to the Gulen movement in Germany. Turkish asylum-seekers have since accused officials working in Germany's immigration authority (BAMF) of passing on their information to media outlets with ties to the Turkish government.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Erdogan urges German-Turks not to vote for 'enemies of Turkey' August 18, 2017: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed three of Germany's main political parties as "enemies of Turkey" and told Turks living in Germany not to vote for them in September's general election. He singled out Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Social Democrats (SPD), and the Greens. Merkel said Erdogan was "meddling" in Germany's election.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Merkel says Turkey should not become EU member September 4, 2017: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during an election debate that she didn't think Turkey should become a member of the European Union and said she would speak with other EU leaders about ending Ankara's accession talks. In October, she backed a move to cut Turkey's pre-accession EU funds.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Turkey's military offensive in Afrin January 20, 2018: The Turkish military and their Syrian rebel allies launched "Operation Olive Branch" against the Kurdish-held enclave of Afrin in northern Syria. The move was criticized by German politicians and prompted large protests by Kurdish communities in Germany.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Journalist Deniz Yücel released from prison February 16, 2018: Turkey ordered the release of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yücel after he'd been held for over a year without charge. According to Turkish state media, Yücel was released on bail from pre-trial detention. Prosecutors asked for an 18-year jail sentence for Yücel on charges of "terror propaganda" and incitement.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Özil quits July 2018: German footballer Mesut Özil quit the national team following the fallout from his meeting with the Turkish president. Özil said he was being made a scapegoat for Germany's forgettable performance at the FIFA World Cup in Moscow because of his Turkish heritage. Erdogan praised Özil's decision and slammed the "racist" mistreatment of the footballer.

Why are German and Turkish relations so strained? Travel ban lifted August 2018: A Turkish court removed the travel ban on German journalist Mesale Tolu, who was arrested last year on terrorism-related charges. But the trial against Tolu, who has since returned to Germany, is set to continue. Her husband, Suat Corlu, who is facing similar charges, has been ordered to remain in Turkey. Author: Rebecca Staudenmaier



Not always easy

Macron defended his invitation to Erdogan against criticism from the French left, saying it was necessary to "maintain dialogue" with Ankara without "covering up differences of views."

The French leader has also emphasized the necessity to keep up relations with an "essential" partner in conflicts, including that in Syria.

However, Macron has previously spoken of his difficulties with the Turkish leader, telling Le Point magazine in August that one of the drawbacks of being French president was "having to talk to Erdogan every 10 days."

Erdogan, for his part, told France's LCI television on Thursday that he had got off to a "very good start" with Macron, who assumed office only in May last year.

Macron has previously said that one of the drawbacks of his job is keeping up contact with the Turkish leader

Accession on ice

EU-Turkey relations hit an additional low last year when Germany and the Netherlands barred rallies by Erdogan and ministers ahead of a Turkish referendum on extending the president's powers — although France allowed a rally addressed by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to go ahead.

The tensions have led to an effective stalling of the decades-long accession process for Turkey to enter the EU, although it officially remains a candidate.

Turkey has also been angered by Western, and especially US support for Kurdish-led forces in Syria that it sees as allied with the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and therefore as terrorists.

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice One year after the coup attempt On Saturday, Turks observed the anniversary of last year’s failed coup, commemorating the nearly 250 people who lost their lives during the event and celebrating the perseverance of the nation. The largest crowds gathered at Istanbul’s Bosphorus Bridge and in central Ankara, pictured above, where demonstrators marched to Turkey’s parliament to attend a speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice Disparate views in post-coup Turkey Among the crowds, were many who personally confronted the military on the night of the coup and had made personal sacrifices to defend the democratically elected government. In contrast, opponents of President Erdogan mostly stayed home, viewing the ongoing purges and Turkey’s extended state of emergency as affronts to the nation’s democratic principles that have undermined the rule of law.

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “Our Democracy Watch Continues” A banner in Ankara reads “Our Democracy Watch Continues,” in reference to democracy watch rallies that took place nightly during the month following the coup attempt. One year on, some Erdogan supporters believe followers of Fethullah Gulen, who the government blames for organizing the putsch, are still working in state offices and may be plotting a second coup attempt.

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice Support for ongoing purges Sahibe, 45, a store clerk not pictured above, spoke in favor of the ongoing purges, which have laid off more than 150,000 people over the last year and jailed about 50,000. She said innocent citizens had nothing to worry about and that she hopes “the state of emergency continues until we cleanse the roots Gulenists have made in our country.”

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice Extended state of emergency Yet not all attendees at Saturday’s rallies supported the year-old state of emergency. “I am anxious about the current situation because it gives soldiers the authority to do anything they want,” said Ahmed, who did not give a surname. “If there was a referendum on extending the state of emergency, I think the majority of people would vote against it.”

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “Stay strong, the people are with you” A pro-government demonstrator holds a flag featuring Erdogan with the words: “Stay strong, the people are with you.” Reflecting on Erdogan’s leadership, a taxi driver near the rally said, “May god protect us if this man is re-elected in 2019. He’ll bring sharia law to Turkey, which is no problem for men, but it will make life miserable for women.”

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “We have lost many rights “ Those who didn’t support the rallies kept their distance, such as Seyma Urper, a human rights lawyer working in the southeastern city of Sirnak. "Since the coup attempt, most employees in my municipality were dismissed and the mayor was replaced with a state-appointed trustee," Urper said. "We have lost many rights and it’s getting harder to do my job."

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “Our country is stronger than ever” Erol Kanmaz, not pictured above, said his son was shot in the leg on the night of the coup attempt and spent the subsequent six months in the hospital to undergo four surgeries. “I came out tonight to protect my homeland,” Kanmaz said. “Those Gulenist traitors tried to infiltrate our military, but now our country is stronger than ever.”

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “Tell us to die, we will die” Sureyya Kalayci (left) displays a homemade t-shirt stating: “A call is enough. Call us and we’ll come. Tell us to die, we will die.” On 15 July 2016, Kalayci and his son Ahmet (right), blocked military vehicles in Ankara’s streets, helping to foil the attempted coup. “If it wasn’t for the people, the military would’ve taken over our country,” Kalayci said.

Turks mark coup anniversary with disparate view of justice, sacrifice “We are the grandchildren of the Ottomans” A demonstrator holds up a scarf reading: “We are the grandchildren of the Ottomans.” Many people in the crowds on Saturday night expressed support for President Erdogan’s policies and believed he was the only leader that could restore Turkey’s stance as an international power, which was tarnished with the fall of the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago. Author: Diego Cupolo



rs, tj/rc (dpa, AFP)