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EU concern over arrests in Turkey: ‘Ankara must respect democratic values’

The European Commission criticises the arrest of Mayor Imamoglu and more than 300 protesters, raising doubts about democracy in Turkey

The arrests of the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, and more than 300 protesters during the recent protests in Turkey have provoked strong reactions from the European Union. A European Commission spokesperson expressed concern about the situation, quoting the words of President Ursula von der Leyen, who had already expressed doubts about the respect of democratic values in the country.

‘As a member of the Council of Europe and an EU candidate country, Turkey has a duty to respect democratic values,’ said the spokesman, emphasising the importance of protecting the political rights of elected representatives and the right of citizens to demonstrate peacefully. Ankara is called upon to ensure respect for fundamental freedoms and to avoid actions that could undermine its democratic credibility.

The arrests, which took place in the course of anti-government protests, represent a serious breach in the already tense relationship between the EU and Turkey, with Brussels calling on Ankara to live up to its international democratic commitments.

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