The US Department of State described the reports on the arrests the Turkish authorities made against professors for criticizing the military intervention against Kurds in southeastern the country as "disturbing trend".

The US Department of State's spokesman John Kirby said the misusing of the state authorities, such as the security forces and the judicial system, in undermining the legitimate political course was disturbing.

The US urges Turkey to ensure adherence to the universal values of democracy, enshrined in the Turkish constitution, Kirby said.

He said that Washington was always raising this issue with Ankara, Kirby said, adding the right of free expression and peaceful and democratic opposition for the government were necessary according to the Turkish constitution.

News reports said the arrested professors have signed with more than 1000 academics in Turkey on a plea prodding the Turkish government to stop what they called "massacres" in southeastern Turkey.

Source: MENA