Türkiye: Statement by the Spokesperson on the decision by the 36th Ankara Regional Court of Justice

As an EU candidate country and a long-standing member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to uphold the highest democratic standards and practices. Democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights are central to the EU accession process.

The Court’s decision on 21 May to annul the regular and extraordinary congresses of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), along with previous charges, arrests, prosecution and removals from office of elected officials and opposition figures, including the Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, gives rise to questions about the rule of law, fundamental rights, democratic pluralism and the  independence of the judiciary. 

Political opposition must be free to operate, organise, and participate in the political process without fear of repression. Legal and administrative proceedings should not be used to intimidate opposition parties and politicians, or hamper their participation in the political process on equal footing with governing parties.

Turkish people deserve to enjoy the benefits of a vibrant and competitive democracy, where the voice of the people is heard.