The imprisonment of the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and numerous other figures is a serious attack on democracy.
France reiterates is deep concern in this regard.
Respect for the rights of opposition elected representatives, the freedom to demonstrate and freedom of expression are cornerstones of the rule of law.
As a member State of the Council of Europe and a candidate for European Union membership, Turkey has freely subscribed to commitments in this regard.
Honouring these commitments is a central element of our relations and of relations between Turkey and the European Union.