The Paris City Council made a significant decision in response to the ongoing repression of Kurdish mayors in Turkey. Here's a breakdown of the debate and the resolution passed in solidarity with Kurdish political leaders.

A strong condemnation of the Turkish AKP-MHP government's actions against democratically elected DEM Party mayors, who have been removed from office and replaced by state-appointed "trustees” was issued.

Since 2009, more than 100 Kurdish mayors, elected by local populations, have been dismissed by the Turkish government. The most recent removals include mayors from cities like Hakkari, Esenyurt, Batman, Mardin, Halfeti, all based on unfounded accusations. 

The Paris Municipal debate denounced these actions as a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to erase Kurdish political representation and governance. The replacement of elected mayors with appointed trustees undermines the will of the people.

Councilor Genevieve Garrigos called for international solidarity with the Kurdish community, urging respect for the democratic process and the protection of elected officials. She emphasized that these practices are part of a broader strategy to weaken Kurdish rights and suppress their participation in local governance.

Arnaud Ngatcha, Deputy Mayor, added that the Turkish government’s actions violate fundamental democratic rights. He called for the immediate release of detained Kurdish mayors & condemned the violent repression of peaceful protests, calling for the restoration of democracy. 

Ngatcha further urged the Turkish government to uphold its international commitments, including the European Convention on Human Rights, & to stop using unjust, arbitrary charges like "terrorism" to target political opponents.

Raphaelle Primet (Communist Group) underlined that despite Amnesty International's 2023 report, Turkey's human rights violations have only worsened. Authorities continue to imprison human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition leaders, using anti-terrorism laws to restrict free speech and peaceful assembly.

Primet said: "Erdoğan’s crackdown on Kurdish mayors is part of a broader strategy to weaken Kurdish political power. Replacing elected officials with state-appointed trustees undermines local democracy and the EU’s silence on this impunity is unacceptable."

Geoffroy Boulard strongly condemned the repression of Kurdish mayors in Turkey. He stated that this unjust crackdown is linked to the fight against ISIS, but also reflects Turkey's internal political struggle. 

Boulard said: "We stand in solidarity with the Kurdish mayors unjustly removed from office. The Turkish government uses false accusations to silence political opposition. Kurds have been key allies in the fight against ISIS, and this repression is intolerable. 

 The Paris Municipal Council passed a resolution calling for: 

* Immediate release of Kurdish mayors detained under false charges

* End to the trustee procedure and reinstatement of elected mayors

* An immediate halt to the violent repression of Kurdish protests

* Respect for the democratic process and the right to peaceful assembly. 

The resolution also expressed the City of Paris’s solidarity with the Kurdish people, reaffirming the importance of local democracy and human rights in Turkey. The decision is a clear message that Paris stands with those fighting for freedom and justice. 

In conclusion, the Paris City Council took a firm stance against the Turkish government's anti-democratic actions and affirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Kurdish political leaders and the Kurdish community as a whole.

Let’s continue to raise awareness and pressure international actors to act in support of Kurdish rights and democracy."