European politicians oppose the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: Council of Europe to hold 'emergency' meeting

President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Marc Cools issued a written statement regarding the arrest of İmamoğlu. Cools announced that the Congress will address the process of removing mayors from office in Turkey during its 48th session to be held in Strasbourg on March 27. Cools stated, "We condemn the arrest of İmamoğlu and demand his immediate release."

The statement emphasized that imprisoning İmamoğlu at a time when he would be selected as a presidential candidate is incompatible with justice. Cools noted that this situation undermines the integrity of electoral processes and constitutes an attack on democracy. He also called for the reversal of the decision by Istanbul University to revoke İmamoğlu's diploma.

French Senator Thomas Dossus criticized the developments in Turkey in a post on social media. Dossus stated the following:

"The Erdoğan regime is imprisoning its main political rival, İmamoğlu. This is an abuse of power. We stand with the democrats of Turkey."

CALL FOR SUPPORT FROM THE MAYOR OF ATHENS

Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas condemned the arrest of İmamoğlu and called for a resolution of support to be issued by the General Assembly of the European Committee of the Regions. Doukas shared the message, "Ekrem, you are not alone. It is our duty not to remain silent." Doukas announced that he, along with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and 12 other mayors, have signed a declaration addressed to the Turkish authorities.

The declaration stated, "The Mayor of Istanbul and other elected opposition figures arrested for political reasons must be released immediately. Political pressure on local governments must end." Doukas stated that they support similar initiatives by the Athens, B40, and Eurocities networks.

News Source: 12punto