Press Council reacts to the detention of İmamoğlu: Legal and political pressure must end now

Following the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Press Council issued a statement emphasizing that the law should not be used as a tool for political purposes. The statement noted that recent developments in Turkey are being followed with concern and expressed growing anxiety regarding the rule of law.

The Council stated that the devaluation of voter will, the appointment of trustees, and political pressures are damaging the country's international reputation. The statement declared, "Legal and political pressure on the media, local governments, the business world, non-governmental organizations, universities, and the arts and culture community must end now."

The Press Council emphasized that they want to trust in justice, stating that democracy must be strengthened, freedom of thought and expression must be protected, and the law must not be used for political interests. The statement included the phrase, "We urgently expect a solution within democratic rules."

Here is the full text of the Press Council's statement

"We are watching the recent developments in our country with concern, just like all our citizens who stand for the Republic, democracy, secularism, and the rule of law.

The perception that the law is being used for political purposes is becoming widespread in all circles. The devaluation of the votes cast by the electorate and the appointment of trustees are causing great harm to the national will, the economy, social peace, and our country's reputation in the world.

Legal and political pressure on the media, local governments, the business world, non-governmental organizations, universities, and the arts and culture community must end now.

As the Press Council, we want to trust in justice.

We demand a return to the path of democracy, that freedom of thought and expression not be obstructed, and that the law not be used for partisan ambitions.

We urgently expect a solution within democratic rules"

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News Source: 12punto