Ankara Rejects US Report on Human Rights

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has rejected the US State Department's 2024 report on human rights, calling its claims "baseless." In a statement, the ministry asserted that Turkey combats terrorism while upholding the rule of law.

Ankara expressed regret over the report's inclusion of "unfounded claims" linked to the FETÖ organization of Fethullah Gulen, whom it accuses of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt.

Regarding military operations in northern Syria, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that they are conducted with respect for civilians and within the framework of self-defense. It also rejected accusations of violating the rights of refugees and migrants, emphasizing Turkey's exemplary policy in migration management.

The US report criticized the state of press freedom in Turkey in 2024, the influence of the executive branch on the judiciary, and the persecution of activists and journalists. Cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, and violations of refugee rights were also mentioned.