Protests erupted in Turkey after Istanbul mayor's arrest
World
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Istanbul after the arrest of city mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main opponents.
The authorities blocked roads, restricted access to social networks, and imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations, but this did not stop the wave of discontent.
Imamoğlu and about 100 other people were arrested on charges of corruption and links to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The opposition calls this a political upheaval before the elections.
The leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Ozghur Ozel, accused the authorities of a "state coup," stating that Erdogan is afraid of losing the election. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reminded Ankara that Turkey is obligated to adhere to democratic principles as a candidate for EU membership.
The authorities deny the accusations, claiming that the courts operate independently. However, the mass protests in the country's largest city show that trust in the government is undermined.
Imamoğlu and about 100 other people were arrested on charges of corruption and links to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The opposition calls this a political upheaval before the elections.
The leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Ozghur Ozel, accused the authorities of a "state coup," stating that Erdogan is afraid of losing the election. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reminded Ankara that Turkey is obligated to adhere to democratic principles as a candidate for EU membership.
The authorities deny the accusations, claiming that the courts operate independently. However, the mass protests in the country's largest city show that trust in the government is undermined.
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