European officials urge transparency in Imamoglu probe as US, Russia call it ‘internal matter’

The detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders, international organizations, and human rights groups, with concerns over the state of democracy in Türkiye and its relations with Europe.

Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and potential presidential candidate, was detained on March 19 as part of an investigation into corruption and alleged support for terrorism.

The Turkish government traditionally sees such swift condemnations from Western nations as involvement in Türkiye’s internal matters and judicial independence.

EU, European Council express concern

The European Union and the Council of Europe have described the Imamoglu probe as a significant blow to Türkiye’s democratic standards.

In a statement, the Council of Europe condemned the detention of a key opposition leader, warning that the move reflects “political pressure” ahead of the next presidential elections in Türkiye.

“We strongly condemn the detention of the democratically elected Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, which bears all the hallmarks of the pressure on a political figure considered as one of the main candidates in forthcoming presidential elections—especially as it took place a few days before Mayor Imamoglu’s CHP party should decide on its presidential candidate, and follows the decision of Istanbul University to revoke Mayor Imamoglu’s degree, which is one of the conditions for presidential candidates,” the Council of Europe said.

“In three separate elections, the citizens of Istanbul have unequivocally placed their trust in Mayor Imamoglu, and these pressures can only be seen as running counter to the will of the people,” the Council of Europe added.

“We will continue to follow closely the situation and will raise the issue at the meeting of the Congress Bureau on Monday, March 24, when the Bureau should decide on the proposal to hold an urgent debate focusing on the dismissal of mayors in Türkiye during next week’s Congress session in Strasbourg,” the Council of Europe stated.

EU officials call for transparency

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, issued a joint statement calling for Turkish authorities to ensure full transparency in the legal process.

The statement raised questions about Türkiye’s commitment to democratic values, particularly in light of its EU candidacy and membership in the Council of Europe.

Today’s detention of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu and the arrests and charges against elected officials, political activists, civil society and business representatives, journalists, and others since the beginning of the year raise questions about Türkiye’s commitment to its long democratic tradition.

The EU calls on the Turkish authorities to ensure full transparency and follow a due process of law. As an EU candidate country and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to adopt the highest democratic standards and practices.

Respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law are vital for the EU accession process. These principles will remain an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations.

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

International reactions and protests in Türkiye

The U.S. State Department also weighed in, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating, “We encourage Türkiye to respect human rights and handle its internal affairs appropriately.” The United States reiterated its position without commenting on Türkiye’s specific legal processes, but called for the protection of citizens’ rights.

Moscow considers this a sovereign matter for Ankara and does not interfere, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding there will not be a reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk to the country’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“No, this cannot and will not be a reason for a phone call. This is Türkiye’s sovereign business. We have always said that we very much dislike being told how to live. And we never interfere in other people’s internal affairs,” he said.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International also condemned the detention, with Dinushika Dissanayake, deputy regional director for Europe at Amnesty International, calling the detention “a major escalation in the ongoing crackdown on peaceful opposition.”

“Ekrem Imamoglu and others detained should be released from police custody immediately,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

“The Erdogan presidency should ensure that the results of the Istanbul municipal elections are respected and that the criminal justice system is not weaponized for political ends,” Williamson added.

German Chancellor criticizes detention

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly condemned the detention, calling it “a very, very bad sign” for Türkiye’s democracy.

Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Scholz said the detention of such a significant opposition figure was troubling for both Türkiye’s democratic integrity and its relations with Europe.

“It is depressing for democracy in Türkiye, but it is certainly also depressing for relations between Europe and Türkiye,” Scholz added.

He urged Turkish authorities to “immediately end this” and allow for political competition rather than the persecution of opposition leaders.

France and Germany on Imamoglu’s detention

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed deep concern, with spokesperson Christophe Lemoine stating that the detention “will have serious consequences for Türkiye’s democracy.”

Sebastian Fischer, spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the detention as part of a series of legal actions aimed at “applying pressure” on Imamoglu.

Fischer labeled the detention as a “serious setback for democracy in Türkiye.”

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office also released a statement regarding the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu and said, “Today’s arrest of the prominent opposition politician and mayor of Istanbul, Imamoglu, and over 100 other people is a serious blow to democracy in Türkiye. Safeguarding the rights of elected representatives of the people is crucial for a functioning constitutional state.”

“Not only as a member of the Council of Europe but also as a candidate for accession to the European Union, the Turkish government must guarantee the basic principles of democracy and the rule of law to which it has committed itself,” the German Foreign Office concluded.

The detention of Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and mayor of Türkiye’s largest city, has become a focal point for the country’s agenda. While the elections are scheduled for 2028, opposition parties are calling for earlier elections.