Two German nationals were arrested in Turkey for political reasons, German foreign ministry reported on Friday.

The German consulate in Izmir has been informed about the arrest, DW reported. The airport police in Antalya later confirmed that the arrests took place the day before. The German embassy is attempting to contact them.

According to DW, Turkish authorities are currently holding 55 Germans.

Earlier this week German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Turkey to release all German citizens.