Paris has conferred honorary citizenship on Ekrem İmamoğlu, the imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), in a symbolic gesture of solidarity. The decision, announced on April 8, 2025, comes as İmamoğlu remains behind bars following his arrest last month amid controversial “terrorism” and “corruption” investigations.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, speaking after a municipal council vote to honor İmamoğlu, condemned the Turkish authorities’ actions. “İmamoğlu’s ability to represent his party and serve as the voice of millions of Turkish people is being unjustly obstructed,” she said. Hidalgo, a member of France’s Socialist Party, emphasized that the gesture was intended to send a message to Turkey’s leadership. “Perhaps this support will enable the current Turkish authorities to hear the voice of democratic reason,” she added.
Addressing the council, Hidalgo underscored Paris’s unwavering support for İmamoğlu, stating, “Deprived of his freedom and fundamental rights, İmamoğlu should know he can rely on the full backing of Paris.”
A Mayor in Crisis
İmamoğlu, a prominent figure in Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the party’s chosen presidential candidate, was detained on March 19, 2025, as part of a probe into alleged terrorism and corruption. Following his arrest, he was removed from his mayoral duties and incarcerated, sparking widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Hidalgo was among several European mayors who swiftly called for his release.
European Backlash
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), which includes representatives from Council of Europe member states such as Turkey, also voiced its disapproval. In a declaration adopted during its general assembly in Strasbourg last month, the CLRAE criticized İmamoğlu’s detention and demanded his immediate release. The body announced plans to dispatch an investigative mission to Turkey “as soon as possible” to meet with İmamoğlu and other detained local officials.
The CLRAE’s statement called on Turkish authorities to align with European Court of Human Rights precedents, urging the release of detained local leaders, including İmamoğlu, and the protection of their defense rights. It further pressed Turkey to refrain from “widespread use of detention” without clear evidence supporting reasonable suspicion.
A Symbolic Stand
The Paris City Council’s decision marks a significant show of international support for İmamoğlu, whose arrest has fueled concerns over democratic backsliding in Turkey. Hidalgo’s remarks reflect a broader European push to pressure Ankara into addressing allegations of political suppression.
As of April 9, 2025, İmamoğlu remains in custody, with his case drawing growing attention across the continent. The CLRAE’s forthcoming mission could further escalate scrutiny on Turkey’s handling of the situation.