Germany tells Turkey: 'Press freedom is non-negotiable'

Germany has defended its stance on freedom of expression after its ambassador to Turkey was summoned.

Responding to questions concerning Turkey's summoning of a German diplomat last week, a government spokeswoman on Wednesday said German-Turkish relations would not impact the nation's stance on freedom of expression.

"(It has been) made clear that despite all the interests Germany and Turkey share, the view on press freedom, freedom of expression is non-negotiable for us," said deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Wirtz during a press conference.

The statement comes after German news outlet "Spiegel Online" published a report that the Turkish foreign ministry summoned German Ambassador Martin Erdmann on March 22 to complain about a satirical song aired on public broadcaster NDR's "Extra 3" program.

The song's music video, titled "Erdowie, Erdowo, Erdogan," shows images of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan juxtaposed with footage of police beating protesters.