Imamoglu in court: political intrigue and mass protests in Istanbul!

Imamoglu in court: political intrigue and mass protests in Istanbul!

The political situation in Turkey continues to come to a head after the Istanbul public prosecutor has requested pre -trial detention for the mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Imamoglu, who is considered the possible challenger of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming choice, sees serious allegations. In two procedures, he has to deal with accusations of terrorism and corruption. While he rejects the allegations, critics are convinced that political motives are behind the allegations. "The arrest is politically motivated," says the chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgur Özel, and thus agrees with many demonstrators who take to the streets in several cities to show their support for Imamoglu.

Despite the declining security situation in the country and a pronounced demonstration ban mobilized tens of thousands of protests in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. The police used closed security measures, including pepper spray and water cannons, to dispers the demonstrators. Over 343 people have been arrested in the past few days alone. Erdoğan criticized the protests of his opponents and described them as "street terror".

allegations and legal uncertainty

Imamoglu is specifically accused of being a member of a criminal association, having participated in extortion, bribery and fraud as well as supporting the prohibited Kurdish workers' party PKK. These serious allegations are the focus of his legal proceedings. On Saturday he was supposed to be nominated by the CHP to the presidential candidate, a nominative coordination that should take place with the vote of 1.7 million members and citizens on around 4,000 election boxes. However, the arrest and the associated legal uncertainty could endanger its candidacy.

In addition to the political tensions, there are reports that Imamoglus University degree was revoked on Tuesday, a decision that is not yet final. In Turkey, a university degree is a prerequisite for the presidential candidacy, which the situation continues to complicate.

freedom of demonstration and media control

The Turkish media supervision RTÜK is in the meantime threatening to prove media with punishments that report on the protests. Some broadcasters have already set the live reporting from demonstrations, which increases the concerns about freedom of expression in the country. The Istanbul governor's office has also tightened and extended the protest bans, which controls access to urban areas during the ongoing wave of protests.

The Turkish government is repeatedly accused of pursuing political instrumentalization and persecution of oppositioners. These allegations are not new and were loud in various contexts, including in reports on the misuse of Interpol by the Turkish government. Since the failed coup attempt in 2016, Turkey Interpol has often asked for searches according to citizens, with reports on abuse of these mechanisms increase. Political persecution remains a central topic when considering the current events in Turkey.

The coming days will be decisive for the future of Ekrem İmamoğlu and the political landscape of Türkiye. The possibility of a pre -trial detention is in the room, and the protests continue nationwide. People hope for an end to repressive measures and to restore freedom and justice in the country.