World reporter Deniz Yücel is free again after one year
According to the newspaper, *Die Welt* reporter Deniz Yücel, who had been detained in Turkey, has been released. The German government confirmed his release.
Yücel's lawyer Veysel Ok announced on Twitter: "And finally there is a release order for my client Deniz Yücel." The German government confirmed the release. "Now, of course, we have to wait and see what happens in the next few minutes, hours," said a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office.
The case has recently been the biggest point of contention in relations with Turkey. Yücel spent a year in prison in Turkey without charge. He was then remanded in custody on terrorism charges. However, there has recently been some movement in the case.
Following a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she had pointed out to Yildirim "that this case is of particular urgency for us".
Before his visit to Germany, Yildirim told ARD television that he hoped Yücel would be released soon. During a visit to Belgrade in the middle of the week, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said: "I am relatively optimistic that we will come to a court decision soon." The SPD politician added: "And of course I hope that the outcome will be positive for Deniz Yücel."
In October, a Turkish court ordered the release of German human rights activist Peter Steudtner and did not impose an exit ban. He was able to return to Germany, although the trial against him continues. Steudtner's release - as well as that of translator Mesale Tolu - has led to a slight easing of German-Turkish relations. (SDA)
