European Commission president expresses concern over arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has expressed concern regarding the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the opposition Turkish politician and Mayor of Istanbul.

Von der Leyen made this statement during a press conference, Armenpress reports, referring to RIA Novosti.

“The mayor’s arrest is deeply troubling. Turkey must respect democratic values, particularly the rights of elected officials,” von der Leyen stated, adding that Turkey should adhere to the fundamental principles of democracy.

It was previously reported that Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was arrested on charges related to corruption, bribery, and a network of corruption.