Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel also commented on the release of Mesale Tolu. "This is not only good news – it is a huge relief," he said. "I think that all of us here in Germany, including myself, rejoice with Mesale Tolu over the court’s ruling." This decision does not yet end the trial, but a first major step has been taken, said the minister.

On Monday (18 December) a court in Istanbul ruled that the German national with Turkish roots should be granted conditional release from custody – more than seven months after her arrest. Mesale Tolu may not, however, leave Turkey. The trial against the journalist and 17 Turkish citizens who are accused of membership in a terrorist organisation continues.

Imprisonment was a great strain

Seven months in prison put an enormous strain on Mesale Tolu and her family, said the Federal Foreign Office spokesperson, Maria Adebar, at the government press conference. "Our joy is not unclouded, because we have been informed that she may not leave Turkey," continued the spokesperson. She will also have to comply with compulsory registration provisions. The German government will continue to work for an end to the trial against the journalist.

Federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert added that the Chancellor has engaged actively for Deniz Yücel, Mesale Tolu and Peter Steudtner. The German side sees the release as a positive step, but the German government will not let up in its efforts.

Rule-of-law developments in Turkey since the attempted coup in mid-2016 have given Germany and other EU member states cause for concern. The German government has repeatedly called for the release of German nationals detained for incomprehensible reasons. At the same time the government is using all its channels to remain in communication with Turkey.