Respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law is an integral part of EU-Turkey relations, The EU warns in the occasion of the arrest and detention of the Mayor of Constantinople Imamoglou.

Specifically, in a joint statement issued late on the night of March 19, the EU’s High Representative, Kaya and the enlargement commissioner, Martha Mr. point out:

“Today’s detention by the Mayor of Constantinople Imamoglou and the arrests and accusations that were announced against elected officials, political activists, civil society representatives, business representatives, journalists and others, from the beginning of the year.

The EU urges the Turkish authorities to provide complete transparency and follow the proper process. As a candidate for EU accession to the EU and a long -standing member of the Council of Europe, Turkey is expected to implement the highest democratic standards and practices.

Respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law is of essential importance to the EU integration process. They will continue to be an integral part of EU-Turkey relations. “