A delayed reaction of European countries criticize the arrest of Mayor of Constantinople, Ekrem Imamoglou, with the German government referring to a “serious regression” for democracy in Turkey.

“The arrest is part of a series of increasing legal pressure on the Mayor of Constantinople, and for us, respect for democratic authorities and the rule of law is a fundamental prerequisite for a operating democracy,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fiser said. Imamoglou. Mr Fisher also stressed that the German side would address the issue in the appropriate way to its Turkish interlocutors.

At the same time, France has announced that it is “deeply concerned” about the arrest of Turkish opposition leadership Ekrem Imamoglu, who may have serious consequences for the Turkish Republic, the French Foreign Ministry said today.

“We have learned with deep concern this morning about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople, the opposition Ekrem Imamoglu, along with many other prominent personalities,” French diplomat spokesman Christopher Lemouan told the journalists.

“Today’s arrests are likely to have serious consequences for the Turkish Republic,” he said.

Von der Laene: August Imamoglu’s arrest

OR arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople The Turkish authorities are “deeply alarming,” the European Commission President said Ursula von der Layen.

During a press conference, at Brusselsthe chairman of the committee was asked about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople.

“We believe that the arrest of the mayor is deeply alarming. As a member of Council of Europe And as a candidate for accession to the EU, Turkey must support democratic values, especially the rights of elected officials. So we want Turkey to remain committed to Europe, but this requires a clear commitment to democratic rules and practices, and it is essential for Turkey to respect these fundamental principles, “said Ursula von der Laienne.

Imamoglou was detained

The Mayor of Constantinople and the main political opponent of the Turkish president was arrested and detained on Wednesday causing political upheavals in Turkey. In his first statements, Imamoglou spoke of “lies, conspiracies and traps” against him.

Imamoglou was detained early Wednesday morning at his home and is one of the about 100 people held in the context of investigating fraud, bribery and a criminal organization, according to a statement by the Istanbul prosecutor’s Office.

The detainees include two regional governors of Constantinople, both from Imamoglou’s party.

The mayor denounced his arrest in his message, accusing the authorities of using the police as a “weapon”, and his party described as unfounded as “politically motivated”.

Imamoglu is one of Turkey’s most popular politicians and is considered a favorite for the presidency. Last year, he won Erdogan’s fine candidate for the Municipality of Constantinople and on Sunday he was due to be appointed candidate for president of the Republican People’s Party Chp, the main opposition team.