Germany blocks Erdogan rally during G20 summit

Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan's request to hold a meeting with Turkish citizens in Germany before the G20 summit in Hamburg next week will be rejected, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel announced today.

Turkish Vice President Recep Tayip Erdogan had sought to speak with Turkish citizens in Germany next week”, he added.

Germany and other European countries have been cautious about allowing such visits in the past to avoid Turkish political campaigns on their territory.

This year, Germany blocked several events of Turkish officials aimed at organising a referendum on constitutional changes in Turkey, in which Erdogan intended to hit European leaders.

Erdogan is making efforts to hold a referendum to reintroduce the death penalty.

According to the European Union, such a move would end the country's EU membership bid, while Germany announces it will not allow Turks living in Yemen to participate in such a vote.