The Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, one of Turkey’s most prominent opposition politicians, was arrested on Wednesday morning by accusations related to corruption and terrorism, according to the city’s prosecution.
A large group of police officers arrived at Mr. Imamoglu’s house and took him away, and several helpers were also detained. The prosecutors said that they had been ensured for more than 100 people.
Imamoglu has been considered as a probable contestant in the next presidential election, scheduled for 2028, although it is likely that the early elections. He and other opposition figures have accused the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to seek to exclude Mr. Imamoglu from politics so that he cannot run in the election, possibly against Mr. Erdogan himself.
In a video posted on social media before his arrest, Mr. Imamoglu accused the government of « usurping the will of the people. »
« We are facing a great tyranny, but I want you to know that it will not be discouraged, » he said.
This is a development story.
Leave a Reply