Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, made today the following statement:

“Today marks one year since the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu; I recall with deep concern the circumstances that led to the dismissal of the democratically elected mayor of the Istanbul metropolitan municipality.

“His detention on 19 March 2025 occurred when he held a clear democratic mandate from millions of citizens, who chose him to be their mayor.

“One year on, the continued detention of the elected mayor, and President of the Union of Turkish municipalities, de facto deprives the largest municipality in Türkiye and the main association of local authorities, of the leadership chosen by their voters. The Congress referred on many occasions to the report of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe stating that prolonged pre-trial detention in contradiction with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights interferes with the rights of the citizens to participate in local affairs.

“This situation runs counter to the principles of local self-government and democratic representation that the Congress is mandated to uphold.

“The Congress reiterates its call for full respect of the rule of law, due process and the fundamental principle that local authorities must be able to exercise their mandate in a stable and enabling environment. We stand firmly also with other elected representatives subjected to extended pre-trial detention in Türkiye, and notably current and past members of the Congress. Local democracy is a cornerstone of democratic societies. Its erosion, wherever it occurs, concerns us all.”

Contact: Congress Communication Unit