European City Networks Call on NATO Leaders: ‘Watch Silivri While Watching Ankara’

As the NATO summit begins in Ankara, three major European city networks representing hundreds of local governments have issued a joint appeal. They urged European leaders in the Turkish capital to turn their attention to Silivri, a prison on the outskirts of Istanbul. The networks called on leaders to voice concerns over fair trial rights and the rule of law. “While capitals remain silent, cities are speaking,” said Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently detained in Silivri. The statement highlights growing tension between local governments and national authorities over judicial independence.