ANKARA (Reuters) – Human Rights Watch Turkey Director Emma Sinclair-Webb condemned the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and others from the Istanbul municipality on Wednesday, calling it a “flagrant abuse of the justice system”.
In comments to Reuters, Sinclair-Webb described the detentions as part of a “pattern of politically motivated investigations” aimed at undermining opposition activities.
She called for the immediate release of Imamoglu and those detained.
The government has denied cracking down on opponents of President Tayyip Erdogan and says the judiciary is independent.
(Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Comments