German man released from custody allowed to leave Turkey - Berlin

Berlin says a German man who was reportedly detained in Turkey during a planned pilgrimage to Jerusalem several months ago has been allowed to leave the country. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Thursday that David Britsch had returned to Germany, AP reports. The minister described the move as “a further positive signal” following the recent release from custody of other Germans whose detention had inflamed diplomatic tensions, including that of journalist Mesale Tolu. Die Welt daily said Britsch was arrested in April near the Turkish-Syrian border during a pilgrimage on foot from Germany to Jerusalem.