Statement on İmamoğlu from former German President

A reaction to the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as part of a corruption investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has also come from Germany. Former German President Christian Wulff, in a statement to Focus magazine, drew attention to the democratic regression in Turkey and used harsh language.

In his statement, Wulff emphasized that fundamental values such as the rule of law, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression have suffered great damage. Stating that the cornerstones of democracy in Turkey are being displaced, Wulff said, "Freedom of the press, freedom of opinion, the right to protest, opposition rights, separation of powers, the presumption of innocence, the rule of law... Nothing is being left standing in Turkey."

''ATATÜRK PREFERS PEACE, ERDOĞAN PREFERS CONFLICT''

Wulff criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by recalling the words of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, "Peace at home, peace in the world." Expressing that Turkey should be known for a policy of unity at home and peace abroad, Wulff said, "Atatürk wanted Turkey to be in unity at home and peace abroad. Erdoğan is abandoning this path."

Addressing the Turkish people in his statement, Wulff said that hope should not be lost for the future of Turkey. Emphasizing that the Turkish nation should be able to make decisions about its future with its free will, the German politician recalled Atatürk's famous words, "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation."

Stating that "For the sake of Turkey's interests, the world must keep the hope of a return alive," Wulff drew attention to the importance of international solidarity for Turkey to regain its democratic values.

News Source: 12punto