EU Delegation Shows Support for Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor
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Synopsis
The EU delegation visited Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed Mayor of Istanbul, showing support after his arrest. The delegation included European Parliament Vice President Katarina Barley, who expressed concerns over Turkey's democracy and the treatment of political opposition. The visit sparked protests across Turkey condemning the government's actions.
Key Takeaways
- EU delegation visits jailed Istanbul Mayor.
- Imamoglu is a candidate for the 2028 Presidential elections.
- Protests erupt against President Erdogan.
- Approximately 1800 people reportedly detained.
- PES calls for an end to attacks on media and dissent.
Istanbul, March 29 (NationPress) The delegation from the European Union visited the incarcerated Istanbul Mayor and Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential hopeful Ekrem Imamoglu in a demonstration of support following his arrest.
Imamoglu is viewed as a formidable candidate for the upcoming Turkish Presidential elections in 2028.
The visit included Katarina Barley, the Vice President of the European Parliament, who met Imamoglu at Marmara Prison in Istanbul. The delegation voiced their backing for the imprisoned mayor and the demonstrators protesting against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
After the meeting, the Party of European Socialists (PES) released an official statement indicating that Imamoglu's arrest has triggered widespread unrest in Turkey, with thousands taking to the streets to denounce this disgraceful action.
It is reported that approximately 1800 individuals have been reportedly detained by the authorities.
“The detention of Ekrem Imamoglu has left us stunned. We are profoundly worried about the deterioration of the rule of law and the threats to democracy in Turkey. We reiterate our demand that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promptly release Imamoglu and halt the attacks on the media and demonstrators,” stated PES President Stefan Lofven.
Katarina Barley accused President Erdogan of ignoring the laws of his own nation or altering them to maintain his perpetual leadership.
The PES delegation also visited the CHP office in Istanbul, where they met with party leader Ozgur Ozel. Both PES President Stefan Lofven and Ozel concurred that Erdogan is “weaponizing” the judiciary, the prisons, and the police to suppress any dissent against his administration.
Previously, the European Commission called on Turkey to “uphold democratic values” as a member of the Council of Europe and an EU candidate nation, following the imprisonment of Mayor Imamoglu.
