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Federal Foreign Office on the detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (23 March) on the detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul:
The detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu, mayor of Istanbul and prominent opposition politician, is a severe setback for democracy in Turkey. Political contests must not be conducted through the courts and prisons. We expect the allegations to be investigated transparently as quickly as possible and proceedings to follow the principles of the rule of law. The same applies to allegations against arrested demonstrators. Adherence to democratic and rule‑of‑law principles remains a key element for our relations with Turkey – both bilaterally and in the context of EU‑Turkey relations.