The European Commission, along with London and Paris, has condemned the arrests of journalists in Turkey, urging the country to respect the rule of law and media freedom in line with European values. This comes as Turkish authorities have taken a series of measures to suppress a massive wave of anti-government protests.

For the past week, Turkey has been experiencing large-scale anti-government demonstrations, the most significant since the 2013 Gezi Park protests. The unrest was triggered by the arrest and pre-trial detention of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

In recent days, numerous journalists have been arrested while covering the protests, which have been banned in several major cities. In addition, licenses of opposition television channels have been suspended, and there have been reports of crackdowns on foreign media journalists.

“It is vital that journalists can carry out their work without threats of violence, harassment, or intimidation, to ensure citizens have access to all information,” said a European Commission spokesperson.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office also stated that Britain expects Turkey to “respect” the rule of law. “As we share a strong and important relationship with Turkey, we expect respect for our shared international commitments and the rule of law, including swift and transparent judicial procedures,” the spokesperson emphasized.

French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the situation following a summit in Paris on Ukraine, stating: “Turkey needs Europe, and Europe needs Turkey. However, we need a Turkey that takes responsibility for European security and continues on its democratic path while respecting its commitments.”

Macron further emphasized that while France respects Turkey and acknowledges its role in the Black Sea, the “systematic nature” of attacks on freedoms is seen as an aggressive action, which Paris regrets.

Earlier today, Ankara dismissed what it called “biased” statements regarding the arrest and detention of İmamoğlu.

Turkish authorities have arrested nearly 1,900 people who participated in demonstrations in support of the mayor.