The bureau of Liberal International condemns the Turkish government’s blatant attack on democracy following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the leading opposition figure. This politically motivated action is a direct assault on the ambition of the Turkish people – who Liberal International has long supported – for a free and fair liberal democracy.

The government’s use of the judicial system to target opposition figures directly undermines democracy’s core principles, including political pluralism, freedom of expression, and fair competition. By detaining Mayor İmamoğlu on charges of corruption and alleged terrorism links, President Erdoğan’s administration continues its troubling pattern of eroding democratic norms and weaponising legal mechanisms to suppress political opposition.

We stand in solidarity with all Turkish citizens who are peacefully advocating for democratic freedoms and the restoration of the rule of law. The Turkish government must immediately release Ekrem İmamoğlu and all individuals detained for exercising their democratic rights. Furthermore, as a signatory of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights agreements, Turkey has an obligation to uphold judicial independence and safeguard the rights of its people, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Liberal International remains committed to supporting those striving for a democratic and liberal Turkey. The international community must not remain silent in the face of this alarming crackdown, and we call on democratic governments and institutions to take a firm stance against these continued violations of fundamental freedoms.