'Fascism' rampant in Europe

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday said the "spirit of fascism" was running rampant in Europe, as pro-Ankara hackers defaced top Twitter accounts in an escalating crisis.

Turkey and the European Union have become embroiled in an explosive crisis after key EU members The Netherlands and Germany blocked Turkish ministers from holding rallies to back constitutional changes expanding Erdogan's powers in an April 16 referendum.

Erdogan has repeatedly accused the two countries of behaving like "Nazis", comments that have left The Hague and Berlin aghast and prompted warnings from Brussels for the Turkish strongman to show moderation.

EU chiefs yesterday blasted his comments as "detached from reality" and incompatible with Turkey's ambitions to join the bloc.

But far from stepping back, Erdogan ratcheted up his rhetoric a further notch, comparing the treatment of non-Europeans in Europe to that of the Jews in World War II and pointing to the rise of far-right populist politicians on the continent.

"The spirit of fascism is running wild on the streets of Europe," Erdogan said in a televised speech.

"Europe is heading towards being drowned in its own fears," Erdogan said. "Turkophobia is mounting. Islamophobia is mounting. They are even scared of migrants who take shelter there."

Several top Twitter accounts -- ranging from Germany's Borussia Dortmund football club, tennis legend Boris Becker, Amnesty International, the French economy ministry and BBC North America -- were defaced by pro-Turkey hackers with a message slamming "Nazi Germany" and "Nazi Holland."

"#NaziGermany. #NaziHolland. This is a small #Ottomanslap for you. See you on #April16. I wrote what? Learn Turkish."

The message also featured a swastika and was followed by a video showing extracts of Erdogan speeches.

According to legend, an Ottoman slap was a barehanded technique used in the Ottoman army that was strong enough to kill an opponent on the spot.

Twitter confirmed the attack. There was no immediate claim for the current mass cyberattack.

Turkey has suspended high-level relations with The Netherlands and blocked its ambassador -- currently outside the country -- from returning to his post.

Many in The Netherlands -- a country bombed and occupied by the Nazis in World War II -- were hugely offended by Erdogan's comment that the country still had "vestiges of the Nazis".

Analysts believe Erdogan is exploiting the crisis to bring out nationalist votes and ensure victory in the April 16 referendum on the new constitution that opponents fear will create one-man rule in Turkey.