Germany to get consular access to jailed journalist in Turkey

BERLIN: The Turkish government has agreed to give Germany consular access to a German-Turkish journalist whose arrest in February soured relations between the countries, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday.

The German government has repeatedly called for access to Die Welt journalist Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in Ankara on charges of propaganda in support of a terrorist organisation and inciting public violence. Yucel denies the charges.

"This morning Turkey again officially confirmed ... that we'll finally get access to Deniz Yucel tomorrow to see for ourselves how he is doing after difficult days in prison," Gabriel said in a statement.

A Turkish source with information on the matter said it was "highly likely" the visit would take place on Tuesday.

Yucel faces up to 10-1/2 years in jail if convicted.

Relations between Turkey and Germany have been further strained following bans on planned rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany to drum up support for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.