According to the Handelsblatt newspaper, citing it sources in the government and intelligence agencies, the list is considerably longer than initially reported and includes a total of 681 German enterprises. Specifically, they are suspected of backing German Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who stands accused by Ankara of staging the failed coup in 2016. Turkey has reportedly given the list to Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office.
On Thursday, German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said Berlin would protect German firms working in Turkey from "completely unjustified and incomprehensible accusations." Erdogan condemned the statement of Zypries as aimed at "scaring investors" from Turkey.
The relations between Turkey and Germany severely deteriorated after Turkey detained German human rights activist Peter Steudtner and five other activists, including Amnesty International's Turkey director Idil Eser on July 5 on allegations of aiding a terrorist group. On Tuesday, a Turkish court ruled to keep the activists in custody.
On Thursday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel promised to review Berlin's policy toward Ankara, including the economic policy, and credit and investment programs. The German government also decided to freeze arms projects with Turkey.
