Gozi denounces political persecution in Turkey
Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party and Renew Europe Member of the European Parliament, addressed Turkish citizens in an exclusive video broadcast by Sözcü TV, Turkey’s leading independent television channel. Focusing on the trial of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the wider pressure on the democratic opposition, Gozi stated the European Democrats’ position in unequivocal terms: “We, European Democrats, believe that what is happening in Turkey must be called by its name. This is not justice. This is political persecution.”
Gozi criticised the decision to prevent İmamoğlu from properly speaking in his own defence, describing it as a direct violation of the rule of law. “A trial where the main defendant is silenced is not a fair trial. It is a political instrument.” For the EDP, the case has consequences far beyond one courtroom. İmamoğlu defeated Erdoğan’s party in Istanbul and represents a credible democratic alternative at national level. Using judicial proceedings to remove political competitors would deny Turkish citizens the right to choose their future freely.
The EDP Secretary General also placed the trial within a broader pattern of pressure against the CHP, journalists, activists, civil society organisations and critical voices. He referred in particular to the imprisonment of comedian Deniz Göktaş, warning that democratic decline affects political pluralism, freedom of expression and civic life as a whole. “A country where a mayor is silenced in court, the opposition is attacked through the judiciary, journalists are arrested, NGOs are intimidated and a comedian can be jailed for a joke is not behaving like a democracy.”
While recognising Turkey’s importance for European security and NATO, Gozi stressed that strategic cooperation cannot override democratic principles. Turkey remains a member of the Council of Europe and a candidate for European Union membership, commitments that require independent courts, political pluralism, civil rights and respect for free expression. As Gozi made clear, “But partnership cannot mean silence.”
For the European Democratic Party, defending the rule of law in Turkey is essential to Europe’s credibility and to the values shared across the Renew Europe family. The EDP calls for a fair trial for İmamoğlu, respect for the legitimate leadership of the CHP, freedom for journalists, activists and NGOs, and the release of Deniz Göktaş. The party will continue to support democratic forces and a relationship with Turkey based not only on security interests, but also on rights, accountability and the free political choice of Turkish citizens.
