EP Rapporteur criticizes İmamoğlu arrest: Remarks on EU membership

European Parliament Standing Rapporteur for Turkey Nacho Sanchez Amor has reacted sharply to the arrest of presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Speaking at a press conference held at the European Union Delegation to Turkey, Amor stated that Turkey reaching its goal of European Union membership depends on strictly adhering to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Describing İmamoğlu's arrest as "a step incompatible with the EU process," Amor said, "You cannot become an EU member by throwing one of the leading figures of the opposition into prison. Europe is aware of this, and you should be too."

"THERE IS NO INVESTMENT WITHOUT TRUST IN THE JUDICIARY"

Touching upon his meeting with Minister of Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Amor emphasized that foreign investors only take action when they have confidence in the judicial system. "Our talks were positive, but if the judiciary is not independent, no investor can trust Turkey. The detention of businesspeople for political reasons poisons the investment climate," he said.

"IMAMOĞLU'S ARREST ENDANGERS THE ACCESSION PROCESS"

Stating that some steps taken by Turkey within the scope of counter-terrorism are understandable, Amor said that, conversely, the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu has negatively affected the perception in Europe.

"ECHR RULINGS MUST BE IMPLEMENTED"

Drawing attention to the importance of Turkey implementing European Court of Human Rights rulings, Amor emphasized that the judiciary must be free from political pressure.

"MIDNIGHT POLICE RAIDS CANNOT BE NORMALIZED"

Addressing the midnight police raid on İmamoğlu's home, Amor stated that these images caused a shock effect in European public opinion. "Armed police raiding a politician's home in the middle of the night might seem ordinary to you, but from the outside, this situation is unacceptable. This is intimidation," he said.

"THE JUDICIARY SHOULD NOT BE A TOOL OF POLITICS"

Reiterating criticisms that the judiciary in Turkey has become politicized, Amor said this has become one of the most fundamental problems in relations with the EU. Amor assessed, "If the judiciary is at the service of politics, there is no rule of law. Even the appointment of rectors by the president is a situation contrary to the separation of powers."

"TURKEY WAS MORE DEMOCRATIC 15 YEARS AGO"

Stating that Turkey had a more inclusive and democratic structure in the past, Amor expressed that a return to the values of that era is necessary for progress to be made in the accession process.