Today's detention of Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu and the arrests and charges brought against elected officials, political activists, civil society and businesses representatives, journalists, and others since the beginning of the year, give rise to questions regarding Türkiye's adherence to its long-established democratic tradition.

The EU urges the Turkish authorities to provide full transparency and to follow due process. As an EU candidate country and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to apply the highest democratic standards and practices.  

Respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law are essential for the EU accession process. They will continue to be an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations.

Contacts for media
Miray AKDAĞ
Press Advisor of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye 
Phone: 0312 4598700
Mail: miray.akdag@eeas.europa.eu