Britain and France react to İmamoğlu’s arrest and ensuing campaign of repression

European states have begun to respond to the 19 March arrest of Istanbul Mayor and Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu.

UK: We expect adherence to ‘the rule of law’

In a written statement, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) said that it supports “democracy, freedom of expression, peaceful demonstration and media freedoms around the world”. They warned Turkey:

“As with all our allies, we share a strong and important relationship with Turkey and we expect adherence to our common international obligations and the rule of law. This includes the transparency and timeliness of judicial processes.”

The FCO has advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid crowds and demonstrations, for their own safety.

British journalist and BBC correspondent Mark Lowen was deported by Turkish authorities yesterday after he was detained at his hotel. Lowen’s removal was on the grounds that his presence was a ‘threat to public order’.

Deborah Turness of the BBC, the British state broadcaster, made the following statement:

“This is an extremely troubling incident and we will be making representations to the Turkish authorities. Mark is a very experienced correspondent with a deep knowledge of Turkey and no journalist should face this kind of treatment simply for doing their job. We will continue to report impartially and fairly on events in Turkey.”

Mark Lowen said, on arrival to London, “Press freedom and impartial reporting are fundamental to any democracy.”

Related articles:

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BBC journalist deported as Turkey cracks down on protests

Turkey’s main opposition’s president candidate İmamoğlu: ‘A long, challenging journey towards justice and prosperity’

Crackdown in Turkey: 173 arrested as protests escalate on seventh night

Macron: Turkey must maintain a ‘democratic course’

French President Emmanuel Macron also made a statement in response to the arrest of İmamoğlu. He said, during a European conference on Ukraine:

“Turkey needs Europe and Europe needs Turkey. However, Europe needs a Turkey that fulfils its responsibilities regarding European security and continues on a democratic course by respecting the obligations it has assumed.”

Macron’s remarks were made in the presence of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.

Check out our liveblog coverage of how Turkey’s political crisis unfolded.