Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu Faces Arrest and Protests
Prosecutors have accused Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu of exploiting his position for financial gain, including improper allocation of government contracts. Following his arrest after a dawn raid, thousands of people have gathered outside Istanbul City Hall to protest what they view as a politically motivated attempt to eliminate a key rival in the next presidential race.
In addition to corruption allegations, İmamoğlu is also accused of aiding the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) by forming alliances with Kurdish groups during municipal elections. The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara, the EU, the US, and other allies.
İmamoğlu’s arrest has raised concerns over democracy and sparked protests despite a ban on demonstrations and road closures. The financial market also experienced temporary halts in trading due to the shockwave caused by the arrest.
Critics see the crackdown as an attempt by President Erdoğan to extend his two-decade rule following significant losses in local elections. Government officials deny allegations of political interference and emphasize the independence of the courts.
The Interior Minister has detained dozens of people for sharing social media posts related to İmamoğlu’s arrest. İmamoğlu, who was expected to be nominated as the presidential candidate for the CHP, faces multiple criminal cases and a potential political ban.
Overall, the arrest of İmamoğlu has intensified political tensions in Turkey and stirred public outrage and protests against what many see as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
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