Imamoglu before the court for the detention decision/ Supportive protests and political tensions in Turkey

2025-03-22 21:09:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Imamoglu before the court for the detention decision/ Supportive protests and
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was taken to court this evening, four days after his arrest, where it is expected to be decided whether his detention will be confirmed or whether he will be released. Imamoglu, who arrived at the Caglayan Palace of Justice in a convoy of 14 minibuses, will be questioned by a team of 34 prosecutors who are investigating him on corruption and bribery charges.

In his statement before the court, Imamoglu called the accusation against him baseless and described it as an attempt to damage his reputation and political credibility. He added that these accusations are fabricated and are intended to undermine his public image. Meanwhile, the Palace of Justice has been surrounded by Turkish police, with heavy security measures and water cannons positioned to prevent any incidents.

The hearing will also include the mayors of Sisli and Beylikduzu, who are affiliated with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Protests in support of Imamoglu have erupted in the streets of Istanbul, with thousands of supporters demanding his release and rejecting the political charges.

In addition to Imamoglu's arrest, protesters are concerned about what they see as a government attempt to undermine democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. The Istanbul prefecture has announced strict security measures and banned all political gatherings until March 27, increasing tension in the city.

Imamoglu, who is one of the strongest rivals of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has invited CHP supporters to participate in the party's primary elections, where the 2028 presidential candidate will be chosen. He stressed that it is necessary to protect the values ??of the republic and democracy and demanded that citizens' rights be guaranteed in a just Turkey.

The situation has caused great political tension in Turkey, with Erdogan accusing the CHP of creating chaos and tension in the country. He said the opposition is trying to destabilize the situation, creating clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests and recent developments are expected to have further impact on Turkey's political scene, especially with about 5 weeks until the CHP primary elections./CNA