Turkish minister defiant facing threats by Dutch police

ANKARA

Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya minister refused to return to Germany late Saturday after Dutch police asked she leave the Netherlands.

Dutch police blocked Kaya from entering the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam in an argument between the minister and a police officer that was captured on mobile phone video.

"You need to leave the Netherlands. We have a special team for you. We will accompany you,” an officer is seen telling Kaya in remarks translated from another policeman. “You have to follow us in your own vehicle and return to Germany.”

Kaya responded with a demand she be allowed to enter the consulate as she walks toward the building.

”I will enter the embassy. You will let me and I will go to that building. I'm here till you let me. I am not going anywhere,” she said.

Police escalate the situation and threaten arrest. "Other implementations can be made if you do not go. For example they can let you in”, the officer said, meaning detention.

The Turkish minister remained defiant in the face of the threats

"I will be calling out to the whole world from now on. With this anti-democratic practice you are doing,” she said. “You are now in violation of the expression of the freedom of movement and all democratic rights of the Netherlands. This is the embassy of my country and you have to let me get in there.”

The video ends as Kaya returns to her vehicle.

The Dutch government on Saturday canceled the flight permit for Turkish Foreign Minister's Mevlut Cavusoglu and blocked Kaya’s convoy from entering the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam.

The ministers were due to meet Turks ahead of the April 16 referendum on constitutional reform in Turkey.