The Left Party (Die Linke) calls on the German government to finally condemn the human rights violations in Turkey and Syria by the Turkish state. This is according to a resolution passed by the party's executive board on April 4:

"The German government continues the cozy course of the previous government with Turkey. That there are diplomatic relations is, of course, necessary. However, Erdogan cannot now be given the opportunity to 'clean his slate' through the Ukraine crisis. He cannot be given a forum to present himself publicly as a savior.

A clear double standard is revealed here. No other country has so many journalists in prison. Opposition politicians have been in prison for years on the basis of flimsy arguments. The media are virtually controlled by the same system. Protests are regularly banned. Many people are justifiably afraid to express their opinions for fear of reprisals. The rule of law is not in place.

Not only is Turkey far from being a democratic country, Erdogan is even a proven supporter of the terrorist group "Islamic State" and also supports Islamist organizations in Germany," the Left Party says.

Dare more dictatorship and human rights violations?

The resolution goes on to say: "Turkey's human rights violations have been tolerated for years out of fear of a further wave of refugees from the Middle East. At the same time, Turkey is waging war in its own country and in Syria, regularly bombing civilians.

So we are shocked to see Annalena Baerbock praising the 'strong partnership' on Twitter and writing that she was 'finally' allowed to meet the fascist Mevlüt Cavusoglu in person. We are equally shocked when, for example, well-known social democrats like Sigmar Gabriel tweet 'dare more Turkey'. We don't want to dare more dictatorship and human rights violations."