Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The wave of arrests of Republican People's Party (CHP) mayors continues unabated. Following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu more than 100 days ago, the mayors of Adıyaman, Antalya, and Adana have also been detained. According to a statement distributed in Brussels by the Turkish-European Civil Committee, a copy of which was received by us, "For decades, waves of arrests in Turkey have focused on Kurdish politicians, particularly within the context of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). Mayors detained and dismissed on terrorism charges have been replaced by Ankara-appointed trustees. Now, the Republican People's Party (CHP) is also being affected.
The crackdown on the CHP is unacceptable and hinders recent developments regarding a political solution to the Kurdish issue. Turkey must seize the opportunity presented by Abdullah Öcalan's call for peace and a democratic society. The PKK immediately declared a ceasefire and then decided to dissolve itself at its congress. It is scheduled to lay down its first weapons next week.
The political solution to the Kurdish issue is inextricably linked to democracy in Turkey. While the CHP continues to be repressed, the state cannot prove its credibility in the new process.
Immediate and clear international responses are needed against this anti-democratic policy. The European Union and the European Parliament should use their influence to support The path to peace and democracy. Clear words and, more importantly, the use of political pressure are essential for a coherent EU foreign policy.
We strongly condemn the repression against the Republican People's Party (CHP) and call on the EU to act immediately.
EU-Turkey Civic Committee