Stockman condemns Erdogans arrest orders WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Stockman, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Wednesday released the following statement after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the arrest of journalists and media executives critical of his policies: Under Erdogan, Turkey is descending into authoritarian rule. Erdogan should immediately release his political prisoners and restore a free press. The arrested journalists are followers of Fethullah Gulen, a mainstream Islamic preacher living in exile in the United States. Gulen embraces democracy, encourages dialogue with Jews and Christians and condemns terrorism. I urge Congress to immediately condemn Erdogans dictatorial rule and demand he free those arrested Sunday. -30-
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:15:38 +0000