Statements from European politicians on İmamoğlu: 'Erdoğan must release him immediately'

Many figures from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Party of European Socialists, and the European Parliament have issued statements criticizing the detention of İmamoğlu. These statements expressed concerns that democratic processes in Turkey are being damaged and that the rule of law is under threat. The international community has called for İmamoğlu's immediate release.

PACE Socialist, Democrat and Green Group President Frank Schwabe stated in a post on social media, ''The detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu is a dramatic escalation of the situation in Turkey. President Erdoğan must release İmamoğlu immediately.'' Schwabe noted that this step has further strained the political climate in Turkey.

PACE Socialist, Democrat and Green Group President Frank Schwabe

The European Democratic Party stated the following in a written release:

''The detention of İmamoğlu is an attack on Turkey's fragile democracy. Europe cannot remain silent in the face of such authoritarian practices. Freedom, democracy, and the rule of law can never be a matter of negotiation.''

European Parliament Turkey Rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor emphasized in a social media statement that such steps harm democratic processes, delivering the following message:

''The detention of İmamoğlu and practices such as the ban on demonstrations show that Turkey is moving toward an authoritarian state.''

European Parliament Turkey Rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor

The Party of European Socialists (PES) also issued a statement on the matter, noting:

''The detention of İmamoğlu is a comprehensive attack by Erdoğan on the democratic opposition and civil society. We stand with the CHP and figures like Özgür Özel.''

Dutch Member of Parliament and former European Parliament Turkey Rapporteur Kati Piri stated in a social media post:

''The detention of İmamoğlu is a major step by the Erdoğan regime toward full autocracy. The EU must not allow such moves to go without serious consequences.''

News Source: 12punto