In response to detention of a German writer by Turkish authorities on Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Turkish authorities of misusing Interpol warrants.

Dogan Akhanli was detained in Spain on last Saturday after a ‘red notice’ was issued by Ankara. While the German-Turkish writer was released on the next day, but was ordered to remain in Madrid as Spain assesses Turkey’s request for his extradition.

Criticizing Turkish authorities’ action, Merkel stressed that no one should misuse or abuse international organizations like Interpol.

In a newly released statement, the German Chancellor said, “It is not right and I'm very glad that Spain has now released him. We must not misuse international organisations like Interpol for such purposes.”

Relations between Turkey and European countries like Germany have been becoming increasingly strained since 2016’s failed military coup in Turkey.

Last Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Turks in Germany to teach a lesson to Germany's anti-Turkish mainstream parties in coming parliamentary election, prompting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel to warn him not to interfere in German politics.