Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has made the following statement:
"I am closely following the recent events in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and other elected officials. These developments have triggered nationwide protests, the detention of journalists, and allegations of disproportionate use of force by law enforcement authorities. Without prejudice to pending judicial proceedings, the rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights — including freedom of expression and of the media, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to a fair trial — form the cornerstone of democratic security and are legally binding obligations for all member States.
"It is essential that these rights are respected both in law and in practice. This requires full adherence to the fundamental principles of the Convention system: the presumption of innocence, the use of pre-trial detention strictly as a measure of last resort, and the protection of political expression. The right to peaceful protest must also be fully guaranteed. Any allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement authorities must be addressed through independent and effective investigations, with full accountability ensured in accordance with the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.
"It is important to note that full execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is an unconditional legal obligation under Article 46 of the Convention. Respecting this obligation is fundamental to preserving the credibility of the Convention system and the authority of domestic institutions, both nationally and internationally.
"During my upcoming visit to Ankara, I will reiterate the importance of Türkiye honouring obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Especially in challenging times, the Council of Europe remains a key partner – offering support, legal expertise, and a framework for safeguarding democratic resilience and the rule of law. In this context, dialogue is essential, and I truly appreciate the open, frank and constructive contacts we are having with our Turkish counterparts. My presence here at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum reflects the Council of Europe’s continued commitment to engagement, cooperation, multilateralism, and the values at the core of our Organisation."
Secretary General to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum on 12–13 April
