The European People’s Party (EPP) Group in the European Committee of the Regions (COR) expresses serious concern following the continued arrests of opposition mayors in Türkiye. Most recently, Mr Bozbey, the Mayor of Bursa and a speaker at the last meeting of the CoR Working Group on Türkiye, was arrested on alleged corruption charges.
The Chair of the CoR Working Group on Türkiye, Jelena Drenjanin, said: “While we continue to monitor the state of local democracy in Türkiye and the ongoing Istanbul municipality trial, I’m very concerned to hear that another opposition mayor, Mr Bozbey from Bursa, a speaker at the last meeting of the CoR Working Group Türkiye, was arrested yesterday. The EPP-CoR reaffirms its commitment to defending the political and civil rights of all democratically-elected local representatives in Türkiye, and strongly condemns the continuing arbitrary detentions of mayors across the country."
The EPP-CoR reiterates its commitment to upholding democratic principles, the rule of law, and the protection of elected representatives across Europe and its neighbouring regions. The arrest of local leaders raises serious questions regarding political pluralism and judicial independence in Türkiye.
These developments come amid broader concerns about the treatment of opposition figures, including the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul. Notably, the Mayor of Istanbul has been awarded the Paweł Adamowicz Award in recognition of his commitment to freedom, solidarity, and democratic values.
The EPP-CoR calls on the Turkish authorities to ensure full respect for democratic standards, due process, and the fundamental rights of all elected officials.