The Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner has expressed concern about the "disproportionate" use of force by Turkish police during protests against the detention of Istanbul's opposition mayor. In a statement quoted by "Agence France-Presse", Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty urged Turkish authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, BTA reports.
“I am following with concern reports of disproportionate use of force by the police and widespread restrictions on the right to receive and impart information in Turkey in the wake of the demonstrations in recent days“, O'Flaherty said in a statement released last night.
He stressed the need for the Turkish authorities to comply with their international obligations, particularly with regard to freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as a key opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday, formally removed from office on Sunday and held in Silivri prison in western Istanbul. He denies the corruption charges, calling them “execution without trial”.
In response to the events, the main opposition party – The Republican People's Party (CHP) – held primary elections and officially nominated Imamoglu as its candidate for the presidential elections scheduled for 2028.