site.btaEuropean Mayors Call for Action over Detention of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas published a joint article in Politico, the Sofia Municipality press service said here on Friday. 

The opinion piece, "Democracy behind bars: Europe must act for Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu," published on Tuesday, calls on European institutions and cities to support democracy and local self-government in Turkey and to take steps to safeguard local democracy. It follows a recent visit by Terziev and six other European mayors to Istanbul, where they showed support for the detained mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

The article notes that democracy originates at the local level and cautions that neglecting its protection locally can lead to its erosion more broadly. Terziev and Doukas report that numerous opposition mayors in Turkiye have been arrested on dubious charges, characterizing this as a direct threat to local democratic governance.

The two mayors assert that the European Union must not remain silent, given Turkiye’s status as both an EU candidate country and a strategic partner. They contend that overlooking political repression at the EU’s border sends a troubling message to Ankara and other governments. The authors note that Istanbul drives Turkiye’s economy and, despite ongoing pressure, the municipality remains committed to serving its residents by improving public transport, supporting migrant integration, and promoting sustainable development.

The article requests a meeting with the European Commissioner for Enlargement to address the relationship between pre-accession funding and the rule of law in Turkey, and to include the Imamoglu case on the European Council’s agenda.

"Our commitment doesn’t end with this mission. We will continue to advocate, organize and speak out. We owe it to Imamoglu, and to every city leader risking their freedom for their citizens," Terziev and Doukas write.