Germany’s interim government, led by the Social Democrats and the Greens, has blocked the planned export of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to Turkey, German outlet Handelsblatt reports, citing sources familiar with confidential internal discussions.
According to German government sources, the main reason behind the decision is the arrest of Turkish opposition politician Ekrem Imamoglu, who is facing corruption charges. Officials in Berlin have described the move as a “blow to Turkish democracy.”
The Turkish opposition has accused President Erdoğan’s administration of politically motivated persecution, claiming that the charges are aimed at silencing a prominent rival.
Imamoglu, the former mayor of Istanbul, was arrested on March 23, accused of illicitly purchasing three luxury villas in one of Istanbul’s most exclusive districts. The villas were allegedly acquired through a construction firm linked to his family, in which he holds a 60% stake.
Germany’s decision to halt the arms export comes at a time of increased scrutiny over democratic backsliding in Turkey, especially regarding human rights and judicial independence.
