1
Apr
2025
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Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (debate)
Madam President, honourable Members, the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is yet another example of Turkey's ever-increasing violation of human rights and democracy. These are practices incompatible with European values and the rule of law. These phenomena are familiar to Cypriot Hellenism, which continues to experience the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by the Turkish invader. The accession negotiations are effectively frozen. However, Turkey's alignment with European values takes place through a rigorous and active accession path. A path that must have clear conditions, commitments and consequences for the candidate country. The European Union cannot act as an observer. It must regain its strategic influence and exert effective pressure on Turkey to comply with international law. Starting from my home country, a full member of the European family.