The gathering of protest in the center of Constantinople, against his arrest, mayor of the city was massive. The rally took place at 8:30 pm and his wife was his wife, Dilek Imamoglou, framed by the president of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel.
“I invite you all in the qualifiers on Sunday to elect the next Turkish president,” she noted at the start of her speech. At the same time, he said that “today not only Ekrem Imoglou was arrested, but also legality”, implicitly launching a fire against the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Crowds in the rally of protest against the arrest of Ekrem Imoglou in Istanbul.
The reason was Ozgur Ozel, who attacked the Turkish president. “Look at the most frightening thing for you, the audience, the crowd!”
The president of the CHP stressed that “”. He added that “Imamoglu is a nightmare for Erdogan. Because Erdogan knows if someone wins Constantinople, he will win the whole of Turkey. “
Crowds in the rally of protest against the arrest of Ekrem Imoglou in Istanbul.
Finally, Ozel-who does not claim the CHP’s presidency, but is not at stake in his presidency-as well as his wife Ekrem Imamoglu, stressed that “I call those who are tired of this dictatorship and the one-person regime to take to the streets on Sunday morning”. His reference concerns the qualifying elections, held for the first time in the CHP, for the election of a candidate.
It is noted that the arrest of Mayor Constantinople came a few days before his possible presidential candidacy against Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as the newspaper typically explains.
The timing of the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu
The, who was the main political opponent of the Turkish president. In allowances carried out by authorities also arrested 100 politicians, businessmen and municipal officials on charges of corruption, embezzlement and bribery and relations with terrorist organizations.
Shortly before his arrest, and while police had gathered outside his home, Erem Imoglu released a video statement. The caption of his post wrote: “This is a blow to the will of the people.”
“Hundreds of police officers arrived at my door, I trust myself to people. Police are raiding my house, knocking on my door, “he said. He added that “I am determined, I trust myself not only to the 16 million inhabitants of Constantinople, but to the 86 million citizens of Turkey, and to all those who support democracy and justice worldwide.”
“I remain stable in my struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms,” he concluded.
Following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the prosecutor’s prosecutor added to him that he was a “leader of a criminal organization” involved in blackmail, fraud and corruption cases.
At the same time,. In this way, he essentially prevented his candidacy for the Presidency, as he is a prerequisite. He described the decision as “legally unfounded”.
The ‘Deals’ with the PKK
In addition, prosecutors have accused the Mayor of Constantinople and at least six more people, including local officials of “aid in a terrorist organization” over the Kurdistan Labor Party (PKK).
In particular, the Istanbul prosecutor accused them of working with a left -wing political coalition ahead of the local elections after the losses of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, thus providing PKK’s help.
Although PKK’s prisoner Abdullah Ocalan announced in late last month that his team is going to disarm and dismantled.
Imamoglou as the next president
For some time now, Ekrem Imamoglu has been regarded as the only capable of presenting a challenge to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22 -year -old power. He was about to participate in the CHP qualifiers on the weekend, where the next opposition candidate for the upcoming presidential election will be selected.
It was widely suspected that the Mayor of Constantinople would take the office and be in place of the Turkish president’s opponent.
The next elections in Turkey are scheduled for 2028. Of course, according to The Guardian, analysts are predicting early elections.
Ekrem Imamoglu had previously faced a political ban after the Constantinople court sentenced him to infringe on 2011 election. For these charges he had appealed.
The Turks on the streets for the Mayor of Constantinople
Turkish police have been alert on Wednesday morning, amid a four -day ban on public demonstrations and meetings, following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu. Central roads remained closed, as were several subway stations.
Similarly, the mayor of Constantinople was closed and banned and banned to cross a boulevard around the police station.
Despite the restrictions, the University of Constantinople, while earlier some clashed with the police. Subsequently, crowds of students marched to the Town Hall, as a large union called on its members to land on the streets near the police station, where the mayor was held.
Internet access throughout Turkey was limited. Indeed, the Netblocks Internet Freedom Organization has received limited access to social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok after the detention of Ekrem Imoglou.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
The response of the Turkish Ministry of Justice
“It is, at least, an act of brazenness and irresponsibility,” the Turkish Ministry of Justice said in a statement to the first official reaction from the Turkish government to arresting Mayor Constantinople Ekrem Imamoglou and 105 others in relation to charges.
Ministry’s announcement
«In the context of the investigation, the suspects allegedly committed the crime of assistance in a terrorist organization in synergy “and” offenses in the context of a criminal organization set up for economic benefit, including bribery, embezzlement, manipulation of bidding, distinguished fraud and unlawful fraud“The Turkish Ministry of Justice said in its statement.
He also stresses that in Turkey “The separation of powers – legislative, executive and judicial – is a fundamental principle. Judicial power does not accept orders from anyone».
In the same announcement it is noted: ‘The attack on justice, the threat of judicial officers or their infringement is completely unacceptable in a democratic rule of law. Instead of engaging in actions and behaviors that seek to impede the investigations carried out for the sake of justice, it is necessary to act with common sense. The decision to be issued by the impartial and independent justice is binding for everyone…».
The international outcry of Imoglou arrest
President of the European Commission
The arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople by the Turkish authorities is “deeply alarming,” European Commission President Ursula von der Layen said.
During a press conference in Brussels, the Commission President was asked about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople.
«We believe that the arrest of the mayor is deeply alarming. As a member of the Council of Europe and as a candidate for EU accession, Turkey must support democratic values, especially the rights of elected officials. So we want Turkey to remain committed to Europe, but this requires a clear commitment to democratic rules and practices, and it is essential for Turkey to respect these fundamental principles“, Said Ursula von der Layen.
France
France ‘deeply worried“For the arrest of Turkish opposition leadership Ekrem Imamoglu, who may have serious consequences for the Turkish Republic, the French Foreign Ministry said today.
«We learned with deep concern this morning about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople, the opposition Ekrem Imoglou, along with many other prominent personalities“, French diplomat spokesman Christopher Lemouan told reporters during the daily online information.
«Today’s arrests are likely to have serious consequences for the Turkish Republic“, He said.
Germany
The German government criticized the arrest of Constantinople Mayor Ekrem Imoglou as “severe setback»For democracy in Turkey.
«The arrest is part of a series of increasing legal pressure on the Mayor of Constantinople and for us, respect for democratic authorities and authorities of the rule of law is a fundamental prerequisite for a operating democracy.“Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fisher said. He added that a “Unusual gathering (legal) procedures“Against Mr. Imoglou. Mr Fisher also stressed that the German side would address the issue in the appropriate way to its Turkish interlocutors.
