Speaking to the reporters in Izmir on Friday, Omer Celik said “the right of assembly and demonstration is a democratic right”. "The countries that the most heard when it comes to democratic values must be consistent with these democratic values. The right of assembly and demonstration is a democratic right.
“Prevention of one of our democratic rights to meet our citizens, which are guaranteed by the principles of the Council of Europe and the European Union, means prevention of a democratic right," he added. On Thursday, the municipality of Gaggenau in southwest Germany revoked its permission for Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag's meeting, citing concerns about overcrowding. This prompted the minister to cancel his planned visit to Germany.
Celik portrayed the maneuver as “building walls” and added that these walls could not damage Turkey. "This wall will hurt them, hurt their own democracy. They need to face that," he said. Describing Germany’s move as “interference in Turkey’s internal affairs”, Celik said Turkey’s “doors woud be open” for Germany.
"We opened our doors to all refugees, but Europe failed this test. If Germany wants to hold an event for German citizens in Turkey, our doors are open for them [to do so]. We will encourage them here as this is their democratic right," he added.
The cancellation by the Gaggenau municipality has drawn strong criticism from the Turkish government. After the incident, Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador, Martin Erdmann. The event was organized by the Union of European Turkish Democrats, or UETD. Germany is home to the largest Turkish expat community in the EU, numbering around 3 million people.