The wave of arrests against CHP mayors continues unabated. Following the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu more than 100 days ago, the mayors of Adıyaman, Antalya and Adana have now been arrested.
For decades, the waves of arrests in Turkey have focused on Kurdish politicians, particularly in the context of the HDP or DEM party. Mayors detained and dismissed on terror charges have been replaced by Ankara-appointed trustees. Now the CHP is also affected.
The crackdown on the CHP is unacceptable and disturbs the latest developments regarding a political solution to the Kurdish question. Turkey should seize the opportunity opened by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society. The PKK immediately declared a ceasefire and subsequently decided to disband at its congress. A first laying down of arms is planned for next week.
A political solution to the Kurdish question and democracy in Turkey are directly correlated. While the crackdown on the CHP continues, the state cannot make its position credible in the new process.
Immediate and clear international responses are needed against this anti-democratic policy. The European Union and the European Parliament should use their influence to support the path for peace and democracy. Clear words, but above all the use of political pressure, are essential for a coherent foreign policy of the European Union.
We strongly condemn the repression against the CHP and call on the European Union to act immediately.
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EU Turkey Civic Commission
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