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Von der Leyen concerned over detention in Turkey

by AI | 20.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

A leading Turkish opposition politician is arrested before his nomination as a presidential candidate. The President of the European Commission issues a warning to the Turkish government.

Participants in a rally in Germany demonstrate against the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul. Photo: Boris Roessler/dpa

Beirut (dpa) – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as “extremely worrying.” In response to a question at a press conference in Brussels, she also said that as a member of the Council of Europe and EU accession candidate, Turkey must respect democratic values and, in particular, the rights of elected officials.

“We want Turkey to remain anchored in Europe, but this requires a clear commitment to democratic norms and practices,” said the German. It is important that Turkey respects these fundamental principles.

Previously, the judiciary in Turkey had arrested the leading opposition politician Imamoglu as part of a large-scale raid just days before his nomination as the presidential candidate of the social democratic CHP. The mayor of Istanbul’s party warned against an attempted coup – and called for nationwide protests. According to the state news agency Anadolu, at least 84 other people were arrested alongside Imamoglu. (March 19)