Mayors from several European capitals and major cities, including the Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, have strongly condemned the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and called for his immediate release.
“We categorically denounce his arbitrary imprisonment and express our profound concern” over this situation and the ongoing violations of fundamental rights and local freedoms in Turkey, several officials stated in a joint communiqué.
The signatories include the mayors of Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Rome, Helsinki, Ghent, Utrecht, and Brussels.
Istanbul’s mayor was arrested on Wednesday, charged with “corruption” and “terrorism,” during an operation targeting over a hundred of his colleagues, elected officials, and party members. His social democratic Republican People’s Party (CHP) describes this as a “coup” against the opposition.
“This arrest and the coercion of local officials mark a new step in violating democratic principles in Turkey. Ekrem Imamoglu, democratically elected, embodies the hope for a future Turkey based on pluralism, justice, and the rule of law,” stated the signatories, who also include the International Association of Francophone Mayors and the Eurocities network.
The signatories demand the “immediate release” of Istanbul’s mayor, the “dropping of all charges,” and an end to “political pressures.” They are also calling for the “respect of democratic freedoms and human rights in Turkey.”
Ekrem Imamoglu is expected to be the candidate for the CHP - the main opposition party in Parliament - at Turkey's upcoming presidential election.
