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U.S. State Department Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications Marie Harf has said the U.S is concerned about government interference in freedom of expression in Turkey. 

“The U.S. supports freedom of expression, and we remain concerned about government interference in freedom of expression in Turkey. We’ve said that for a long time and we remain concerned,” she told a daily press briefing. 

Her comment came in response to the question: “Turkey’s President Erdogan accused New York Times, CNN, and BBC of trying to weaken and divide Turkey – this was couple of days ago – and then yesterday followed up in a way, saying journalists, Armenians, and homosexuals are trying – are representatives of sedition. Do you have any comment about a allied country’s leader speaking about American media outlets?”

“An independent and unfettered media is an essential element of any democratic and open society, and as, I think, Turkey’s friend and as their NATO ally, we urge the Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold democratic values, including due process, judicial independence, and freedom of expression, including access to media and information,” Ms Harf added.

Asked whether she would denounce or decry or criticize or whatever the negative word is for Erdogan criticizing homosexuals, Armenians and journalists, she replied: “Absolutely.”