The American and Turkish flags. (Credit: AFP)
The United States on Thursday said it was "deeply troubled and disappointed" after Istanbul's mayor, a key opposition figure in Turkey, was banned from politics ahead of next year's presidential election.
"The United States is deeply troubled and disappointed by a Turkish court's verdict against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, sentencing him to two years and seven months in prison and banning him from political activity," a US State Department spokesman said.
"We urge the government to cease prosecutions under criminal 'insult' laws, and to respect the rights and freedoms of all Turkish citizens, including by ensuring an open environment for public debate."
The United States on Thursday said it was "deeply troubled and disappointed" after Istanbul's mayor, a key opposition figure in Turkey, was banned from politics ahead of next year's presidential election.
"The United States is deeply troubled and disappointed by a Turkish court's verdict against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, sentencing him to two years...
"The United States is deeply troubled and disappointed by a Turkish court's verdict against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, sentencing him to two years...