Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is currently imprisoned following his conviction. Speaking at a meeting on Saturday, April 5, with the leadership of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara, Doukas emphasized the need for a fair trial for Imamoglu and expressed unwavering support for the Turkish people’s ongoing fight for democracy and the rule of law.
“We express our support to @herkesicinCHP and its leadership and we request the immediate unconditional release of @ekrem_imamoglu.
We stand in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and their fight for democracy and the rule of law.”
Vice-President @h_doukas in Ankara 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/h0rKKJiufT
— PES Group | European Committee of the Regions (@PES_CoR) April 5, 2025
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas met with with CHP leader Özgür Özel.
On Sunday, April 6, Doukas is expected to attend the CHP’s congress in Ankara, just 18 days after Imamoglu’s arrest, which has sparked significant outrage both within Turkey and internationally. Imamoglu’s arrest has raised concerns about Turkey’s political climate and the erosion of democratic freedoms under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
Former Greek Prime Minister and General Rapporteur on Democracy at the Council of Europe, George Papandreou, is also attending the CHP congress as an official guest. Papandreou is expected to speak on Sunday, expressing solidarity with Imamoglu and discussing the critical challenges facing democracy and democratic values worldwide in this turbulent period.
Doukas’ visit to Ankara is part of a broader meeting of the PES Group (Party of European Socialists) European socialist delegation, which includes members of the European Parliament, members of the Bundestag, and officials from Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and France.
