Turkey frees German journalist held for a year without charge

Turkey Friday ordered the release of a German-Turkish journalist held for more than a year without charge, which could remove a major hurdle to repairing ties between Ankara and Berlin.
"Deniz Yücel is being freed," the German newspaper he worked for, Die Welt, said about the 44-year-old reporter.

Turkish state media confirmed he was being released on bail from pre-trial detention. He is accused of crimes of propaganda and incitement.

The German foreign ministry confirmed that Yücel was being released, declaring itself "relieved and happy".

Yücel's Turkish lawyer tweeted that "finally a release ruling has been made concerning my client".

The news was cheered by Yücel's many supporters, although a cloud still hovered over the case as Turkish state media reported that prosecutors had asked for an 18-year jail sentence.