Following the failed coup attempt almost two years ago, president Erdogan has declared a state of emergency and sacked more than 100,000 civil servants.
Keystone
The foreign ministry as confirmed that seven Swiss-Turkish dual citizens are currently being held in Turkey.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/ln
The individuals had either been arrested or prevented from leaving Turkey following the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in the country in July 2016, confirmed the Foreign Affairs MinistryExternal link to several German-language newspapers on Monday.
The individuals were being held in Turkey on suspicion of having links with banned organisations, said the ministry. It did not provide any further information on individual cases, citing data protection and privacy reasons.
In addition, several Turkish nationals with Swiss residency permits have been either detained or arrested in Turkey.
Providing consular protection to the individuals affected is difficult because the Turkish authorities regard Swiss-Turkish dual citizens as Turkish nationals only. In the case of imprisonment, consular protection would include a request to the relevant authorities in the country to visit the arrested person.
Travel warning
The ministry has also adapted its travel adviceExternal link for Turkey. It specifically includes an alert that the Turkish police may prevent persons from leaving the country until the relevant matter has been settled.
Circumstances for which someone could be held in Turkey include prosecuting an individual over alleged connections to the attempted coup or in relation to suspected links to prohibited organisations.
The travel advice also states that the current emergency situation entitles the Turkish government to impose various restrictions on fundamental rights such as the freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of movement and curfews.
During a state of emergency, arrests can be made without a court order and entry or exit barriers may be imposed, according to the ministry.
Following the failed coup attempt almost two years ago, president Erdogan has declared a state of emergency and sacked more than 100,000 civil servants over their alleged connections to the Gülen movement, on which the government blamed the coup attempt.
In addition, more than 70,000 people have been imprisoned in Turkey since then, and numerous newspapers and associations have been closed down.
More
More
Foreign Affairs
Swiss join in chorus of protest on Turkey
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry added its voice to the chorus of growing international concern over a Turkish court order to arrest activists.
Famine confirmed in Gaza for first time, says UN-backed report
This content was published on
Famine has been declared in a northern part of the Gaza Strip, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system.
Zurich Airport ground handling staff to strike on Friday
This content was published on
Ground handling staff at Zurich Airport have announced a strike for Friday afternoon. According to a union, 200 jobs are at risk.
This content was published on
Philippe Lazzarini will step down as head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at the end of his term in March, he announced on Thursday.
Swiss government predicts CHF845 million budget deficit in 2026
This content was published on
The Federal Council published its 2026 budget proposal on Thursday: a projected deficit of CHF845 million francs ($1 billion).
This content was published on
The Gösgen nuclear power plant in northwestern Switzerland will be out of service for six months. It has not been connected to the grid since late May.
Swiss authorities and firms agree to cut sugar in cereals, yoghurts and drinks
This content was published on
Cereals, yoghurts and drinks in Switzerland will contain less sugar by 2028. The Swiss government and 21 companies renewed the so-called Milan Declaration in Bern on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss media frown upon result of Turkey’s election
This content was published on
The victory of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey’s controversial presidential elections has prompted mainly sceptical reaction in the Swiss press.
This content was published on
According to the preliminary report published by the Swiss Transport Safety Investigation Board (STSB) on Wednesday, a Bombardier BD 700 business aircraft was en route on June 2 from Berne-Belp airport to the Turkish city of Antalya. Shortly after take-off, the pilots noticed that a drone was approaching their aircraft. The risky scenario occurred at…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.