Watch: ‘This Is a Direct Attack on Democracy’, Turkish Community Protests in Valletta
Members of the Turkish community in Malta gathered in Valletta to show solidarity and raise awareness over the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is widely considered President Erdogan’s main political rival.
Imamoglu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges, a move that has sparked outrage and mass protests across Turkey, with many viewing it as a politically motivated attempt to block his presidential candidacy ahead of the 2028 elections.
At the protest, held near Triton Fountain, participants voiced serious concerns about the erosion of democratic values in Turkey.
“This is a direct attack on the rule of law and democracy in Turkey,” Caner Cingöz said.
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“We refuse to accept this injustice. The fight for justice is not just a national issue — it’s a universal value that affects us all.
“We will continue to stand for justice and democracy and we will not remain silent until fairness prevails in Turkey,” Cingöz stated.
Organisers stressed the importance of international awareness, calling on people everywhere to stand up against political repression and support democratic principles.
Do you believe the international community should take a stronger stance on political repression?