Turkey – Arrest of three opposition mayors (July 7, 2025)

France expresses its deep concern following the July 5th arrest of several elected officials belonging to the opposition, including the mayors of Adana, Antalya and Adiyaman. These developments follow the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu more than three months ago, on March 23, and the arrest of city officials in Izmir on July 1.

Respect for the rights of local elected officials and parliamentarians from opposition parties, the right to a fair trial, the right to protest and the freedom of expression are the cornerstones of democracy and the rule of law.