Detention of Istanbul Mayor deeply worrying for democracy
Labour foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith has described the actions of the Turkish Government as an assault on democracy under President Erdoğan.
Deputy Smith said:
“Reports emerging from Turkey are deeply alarming as we learn of the detention this week of Ekrem Ïmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul, and others, on alleged charges of corruption and terrorism.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that these actions are politically motivated and aimed at undermining and potentially preventing a challenger for the upcoming elections.
“I want to pay tribute to the thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets in Turkey this week to protest against the arrest of Mayor Ïmamoğlu. They did so in spite of the risk of police brutality.
“All of Europe must stand against the actions of Erdoğan. We must rise against the far right and fight for the protection of democracy.”