German-Turkish tension over boy

By Tristana Moore
BBC News, Berlin

Mr Steinmeier says Germany is supporting Marco's family

The German foreign minister plans to raise the case of a German boy held in jail in Turkey when he meets his Turkish counterpart in Brussels.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier's ministry has confirmed that the 17-year-old boy, Marco W, is sharing a cell in Antalya with about 30 other foreign inmates.

The boy has been in jail for more than two months. He faces allegations that he sexually molested a British girl.

The boy has denied the charges, arguing that he merely flirted with the girl.

He says the 13-year-old girl claimed to be 15.

The German government has appealed for the boy's release and the case has sparked a diplomatic row with Turkey.

According to reports in the German media, Marco spent a night with the British girl while he was on holiday in Turkey over Easter.

It is reported the girl's mother pressed charges of sexual abuse against the teenager, and he was later arrested by the Turkish authorities.

At a news conference, the German family's lawyer, Juergen Schmidt, criticised conditions in the prison.

He said: "Marco is still a child. He's in a very bad physical and mental state."

The boy's parents have been allowed to visit their son once a week, along with German consular officials.

The teenager's trial is supposed to start on 6 July. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison.