Reaction from Europe to the arrest: 'Attacks continue unabated'

Amor made a statement regarding the arrest and removal from office of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Emphasizing that the arrest is unlawful, Amor said, ''The Turkish authorities' attacks on İmamoğlu continue unabated.''

İmamoğlu's arrest has caused widespread repercussions both in Turkey and on the international stage. European Parliament Rapporteur for Turkey Amor stated in a post on his social media account, ''A shocking day in Turkey.''

In his statement, Amor noted the following:

''While millions of people are casting their votes as part of a democratic exercise to choose their presidential candidates, the Turkish authorities' attacks against Ekrem İmamoğlu continue unabated. He has now been officially arrested and his duties as mayor of Istanbul have been temporarily suspended. I love Istanbul and the people of Istanbul. When necessary, they always fill the streets to defend democracy and their rights as citizens. It happened in the past, it is happening now, and it will happen in the future. Europe's most vibrant city. Ekrem İmamoğlu represents this spirit.''

European Parliament Rapporteur for Turkey Nacho Sanchez Amor

COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO CONVENE

İmamoğlu's arrest has triggered intense reactions from Europe. European politicians have called for İmamoğlu's release. President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Marc Cools issued a written statement on the matter.

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 chosen as a presidential candidate is incompatible with justice. Cools stated that this situation undermines the integrity of electoral processes and is an attack on democracy. Furthermore, he called for the reversal of the decision by Istanbul University to cancel İmamoğlu's diploma.

French Senator Thomas Dossus also shared a message on social media, stating:

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

News Source: 12punto