Gunn Marit Helgesen (Norway, EPP/CCE), President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, has issued the following statement on the decision to release Congress Vice-President and Mayor of Üsküdar, Sinem Dedetaş (Türkiye, SOC/G/PD) from prison and place her under house arrest:

“I hope that the decision to transfer Ms Dedetas to house arrest, following her detention on 29 July 2026 , marks a first step towards her full release and reinstatement in office, and that she will be able to join us soon.

“We remain mindful that former and present Congress members are still imprisoned, as are other local elected representatives. The continuing arrests of opposition local elected representatives, including those reported this month, are deeply concerning. 

“We invite the Turkish authorities to continue to engage in a meaningful political dialogue with the Congress on this issue.”