President Tüttő's statement of solidarity with the Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu

"As President of the European Committee of the Regions, I express my deep concern over the recent decision of the Istanbul Court confirming the arrest and detention of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. While we take no position on the judicial proceedings themselves, we remain vigilant in defending the fundamental principles of local democracy, the rule of law, and the autonomy of elected local authorities.

"The replacement of an elected mayor through judicial intervention—without full transparency and due process—raises serious questions about democratic standards and political freedom.

"We stand in solidarity with Mayor İmamoğlu and with the citizens of Istanbul who elected him in a democratic process. The voice of the people must be respected. Local democracy is the cornerstone of democratic societies, and any attempt to weaken it undermines not only local governance but the broader democratic fabric."