U.S. Department of State Deputy

Turkey should respect freedom of expression and assembly, the U.S. State Department has said, regarding the “coup attempt” charges filed against Turkish football fans for their involvement in last year’s Gezi protests.

Thirty-five members of çArşı, the iconic supporters’ group of Beşiktaş football club, face life imprisonment over the charges.

Washington June 3 dismissed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s accusations targeting CNN International correspondent Ivan Watson over his coverage on the Gezi protests. Erdoğan questioned CNN’s impartiality, labeling Watson “an agent” and blasting him for “wanting to stir up trouble in Turkey.”

Washington June 3 dismissed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s accusations targeting CNN International correspondent Ivan Watson over his coverage on the Gezi protests. Erdoğan questioned CNN’s impartiality, labeling Watson “an agent” and blasting him for “wanting to stir up trouble in Turkey.”