Ankara Rejects US State Department Report on Human Rights

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has rejected the US State Department's 2024 report on human rights, calling it "baseless." In a statement, the Ministry claimed that Turkey combats terrorism within the rule of law and dismissed the report's allegations as inaccurate.

Ankara expressed regret over the inclusion of "unfounded claims" promoted by the terrorist organization FETÖ, referring to the network of Fethullah Gülen. Regarding military operations in northern Syria, the Foreign Ministry stated that they are conducted based on the right to self-defense and with consideration for civilians.

Furthermore, Turkey rejected accusations regarding the rights of refugees and migrants, emphasizing its exemplary migration management policy. The State Department's report called 2024 a "lost year" for press freedom in Turkey, highlighting pressure and censorship against journalists, the influence of the executive branch on the judiciary, and the persecution of activists and human rights defenders.

The report also mentioned arbitrary arrests, torture, and violations of the rights of refugees and migrants.