The United States is a strong defender of freedom of expression in Turkey and in all countries around the world, a State Department spokesperson said.

“We do not want to comment at this time on specific cases before the courts,” Victoria Nuland told a daily briefing in Washington when asked to comment on the recent arrest of Turkish and Kurdish intellectuals, specifically the case of Ragip Zarakolu.

“We urge that the prosecution proceed transparently, and that all defendants be assured due process and a fair hearing in a timely manner,” she said.