MEP Sánchez Amor as an observer at the trial of Istanbul’s mayor, İmamoğlu

Strasbourg – Nacho Sánchez Amor, an S&D MEP and standing rapporteur on Turkey for the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, attended as an international observer the hearings in the trial of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan’s main political rival, who faces a sentence of over 2,000 years in prison. 

“My presence here today is a testament to the European Parliament’s strong solidarity with you and with all those in Turkey who continue to defend democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms,” said Sánchez Amor, emphasising that his role forms part of his mandate as rapporteur for a country that is still an EU candidate. 

The MEP described the contrast between the NATO summit in Ankara and the ongoing hearings at Silivri prison as “hardly more revealing,” urging the leaders gathered this week not to lose sight of what is happening.

Article written with the assistance of AI.