On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution by a show of hands concerning human rights in Turkey, highlighting violations of the rule of law, democratic principles, and fundamental rights. This resolution addresses explicitly the cases of mayors Mehmet Sıddık Akış and Abdullah Zeydan.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed deep concern over Turkey’s disregard for the rule of law, particularly regarding the government’s practice of replacing democratically elected mayors with government-appointed trustees in predominantly Kurdish regions.
MEPs condemned these mayors’ arbitrary dismissal and imprisonment and called for their immediate release, acquittal, and reinstatement. They also emphasised the need for judicial reforms to abolish the trustee system, especially considering the detrimental impact of these actions on local governance in Kurdish-majority areas. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of resuming the Kurdish peace process.
MEPs reminded that EU financial assistance to Turkey is contingent upon the country’s adherence to the rule of law and fundamental rights. They urged the European Commission to contemplate imposing restrictive measures against Turkish officials involved in these human rights violations under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
