Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday threatened to expel the US, Germany, and eight other Western ambassadors after they issued a rare joint statement in support of a jailed civil society leader.


Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala, 64, has been in jail without a conviction since 2017, becoming a symbol of what critics see as Erdogan's growing intolerance of dissent.
The 10 ambassadors issued a highly unusual joint statement on Monday -- distributed widely on their Turkish social media accounts -- saying Kavala's continued detention "cast a shadow" over Turkey.
"I told our foreign minister that we cannot have the luxury of hosting them in our country," Erdogan told reporters in comments published by Turkish media.
Kavala has faced a string of alternating charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests and a failed military coup in 2016.
In their statement, the US, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden called for a "just and speedy resolution to (Kavala)'s the case".
The 10 envoys were summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry on Tuesday.
Erdogan sounded incandescent with rage in a conversation with Turkish reporters on board his return flight from a tour of Africa.
"Is it within your boundary to teach such a lesson to Turkey? Who are you?" he demanded in comments carried by the private NTV broadcaster.
The Turkish lira extended its fall into record-low territory against the dollar within moments of Erdogan's comments on fears of a new wave of Turkish tensions with the West.
Met office predicts hot, dry weather in most parts of country
- 3 hours ago
Ayesha Gul becomes first female SSP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's history
- 22 minutes ago
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Eleven bodies recovered from floodwaters in Alipur
- 3 hours ago

Pakistan Business Forum urges govt to take concrete steps for agriculture sector
- 4 hours ago
PCB suspends official over inaction in sportsmanship row during Pak-India match
- 4 hours ago
Imaan Mazari files harassment complaint against IHC Chief Justice
- 5 hours ago
Owen Cooper makes Emmy history as youngest winner at 15 for ‘Adolescence’ role
- 4 hours ago

Two new polio cases confirmed in KP
- 3 hours ago
PM Shehbaz arrives in Qatar for Arab-Islamic Summit
- 3 hours ago

Booed by own fans, Arch says he must improve
- 4 hours ago
Pakistan won't play any more Asia Cup matches if match referee isn't replaced: PCB
- 4 hours ago
Artists call for ‘Free Palestine’ at Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
- 2 hours ago