Council of Europe to convene on İmamoğlu: 'Contrary to the will of the people'

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has issued a statement regarding the detention of İmamoğlu. The statement, signed by Congress President Marc Cools and rapporteurs David Eray and Bryony Rudkin, stated that the detentions bear the hallmarks of political pressure on a prominent candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. Congress officials pointed out that the cancellation of İmamoğlu's diploma and the detention process occurred shortly before the CHP was set to determine its presidential candidate.

The Congress stated that the people of Istanbul have demonstrated their trust in İmamoğlu in three separate elections. In the statement, which noted that 'such pressures are contrary to the will of the people,' it was announced that the issue would be brought to the agenda at the session on March 24. The statement underscored that the meeting to be held in Strasbourg will focus on the removal of mayors from office in Turkey.

The detention of İmamoğlu and the cancellation of his diploma have found wide repercussions in international media. Former European Parliament Rapporteur for Turkey Kati Piri described this development as 'a major step by the Erdoğan regime toward full autocracy.' Piri argued that the European Union must intervene in this situation.

REACTIONS TO THE DECISION GROW IN EUROPE

German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sebastian Fischer evaluated the detention of İmamoğlu as a ''severe blow to democracy in Turkey.'' Fischer stated that such steps are incompatible with the principles of the rule of law.

European Parliament Rapporteur for Turkey Nacho Sanchez Amor, in a statement made via social media, expressed the following:

''We are following the news of İmamoğlu's detention and the protest ban with concern. Turkey is rapidly moving toward an authoritarian state.''

The Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stated that they stand in solidarity with İmamoğlu. In the group's statement, it was said, ''We strongly condemn the detention of İmamoğlu. Such actions are a direct attack on democracy and the will of the people.''

Members of the European Parliament expressed their support for Ekrem İmamoğlu through video messages they released. In the messages of European politicians, the detention decision was condemned, and it was pointed out that the practice is anti-democratic.

Support messages for Ekrem İmamoğlu have started to arrive from members of parliament in European countries:

“We stand with Ekrem İmamoğlu.” pic.twitter.com/AWSx6WzB0e

— Büyükşehir Çalışıyor (@tcbuyuksehir) March 19, 2025

News Source: 12punto