Paris grants honorary citizenship to Istanbul mayor amidst legal troubles

In a symbolic gesture of support, the authorities of Paris have awarded the title of honorary citizen to Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, who is currently embroiled in legal challenges in Türkiye.

The decision comes after Imamoglu's detention and subsequent suspension from office, which has sparked widespread attention both in Türkiye and internationally, Caliber.Az reports citing French media.

"Imamoglu, who was arrested on March 19 as part of a controversial trial, was bestowed with the honorary citizenship of Paris, recognizing his commitment to democratic values and leadership," the report says.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed that the honorary title would provide Imamoglu with “strength for resistance” and serve as a means to amplify his voice, urging Turkish authorities to “hear the voice of democratic reason.”

Imamoglu was taken into custody on March 23, following a court decision that found him guilty of charges including corruption and alleged connections to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye.

Following Imamoglu's detention, large-scale protests erupted in Istanbul and other cities across Türkiye. Demonstrators took to the streets in defiance of the arrest, prompting a strong response from the authorities. Police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The opposition had previously called for the rallies to spread nationwide, urging citizens to mobilize in protest against the arrest.

The trial and arrest of Imamoglu have sparked significant controversy, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and international observers who view the case as politically motivated.

By Vafa Guliyeva