GETTY Erdogan has lashed out at Merkel for 'accepting' terrorists

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The Turkish leader claimed that Germany “will be remembered by history for harbouring terror” for taking terrorists, such as the PKK, under its protection. The comments came after Mrs Merkel criticised Turkey’s most recent press crackdown. Mr Erdogan has said that Berlin had not handed over suspects from the July 15 failed coup despite him handing Mrs Merkel 4,000 dossiers about German suspects.

GETTY Merkel and Erdogan met at the G20 in China this year

Germany has become one of the most important countries for hosting terrorists Erdogan

Ankara has also requested that Berlin extradite alleged Gulenist prosectors. On Wednesday, Mrs Merkel said: “For me and the entire government, it is highly alarming that freedom of the press and speech are being restricted again and again. “The latest example of this already very sad development is what happened with the editors and editor-in-chief of the Cumhuriyet newspaper, and we have very great doubts that this corresponds with the principles of the rule of law.” More than a dozen media outlets have been shut down and 10,131 civil servants were dismissed over the weekend.

The Turkish President, Mr Erdogan said: “I don’t see the future of Germany -- which receives terrorists with open arms instead of fighting against PKK, FETO, Daesh or racist groups. “Germany has become one of the most important countries for hosting terrorists.” Mr Erdogan warned Germany that this “cursed terror will boomerang back and hit you”.

GETTY A souvenir coin for the victims of the failed coup

A look back on the shocking Turkish military coup that left 294 dead Wed, July 27, 2016 The violent military coup to overthrow Turkey's President Erdogan has 'failed' leaving at least 104 dead and more than 1,500 wounded Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 42 A police officer talks with the soldiers involved in the coup attempt after they surrendered