German resident detained in Turkey over terrorism allegations

Ferdi Soylu, a 46-year-old resident of Ulm, Germany, is currently being held in a prison in Ankara, Turkey. He was detained following a voluntary appearance at the prosecutor's office on August 14 after being instructed to report regarding an existing allegation.

Turkish authorities have accused Soylu of membership in a terrorist organization. The charges stem from his alleged involvement with the Ulm-based association ‘Feza’ during 2012 and 2013. Turkish officials claim the association had links to the Gülen movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey following the attempted coup in 2016.

Soylu’s family and legal counsel dispute the allegations. His brother, Sebahattin Soylu, stated that the family’s connection to the association was limited to a daughter receiving tutoring there years ago, noting that this occurred four years before the group was designated as a terrorist organization. Ferdi Soylu has lived in Germany for approximately 25 years.