The attempt to link judicial investigations and cases with the president “is, at least, an act of brazenness and irresponsibility,” the Turkish Ministry of Justice said in a statement in the first official reaction from the Turkish government to arresting Mayor Constantinople and 105 others.
The announcement of the Turkish Ministry of Justice
«In the context of the investigation, suspects are said to have committed the crime of assistance in a terrorist organization in synergy“And”offenses in the context of a criminal organization set up for the purpose of economic benefit, including bribery, embezzlement, tender manipulation, distinguished fraud and illegal acquisition of personal data“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…».
Reactions within Turkey
At the same time, crowds of people are on the streets and. Many people have gathered in front of the City Hall in Constantinople, as shown by the photos. At the same time, there are calls through posters to gather at 8:30 pm at the same site, protesting the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Press Office of the Metropolitan Municipality.
“Erdogan abandoned democracy”
The announcement of the opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, (CHP), reacting to the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu.
Imamoglou, mayor of Constantinople, a politician who is considered Erdogan’s main opponent, was arrested today by police, just 24 hours before he was appointed a CP candidate for the presidency in the next 2028 elections.
«Democracy was a train, and Tayyip Erdogan was boarding it only as long as it suited him. Now, he got off this train and joined the classrooms“, Said the president of the Republican People’s Party Ozgur Ozel, speaking to reporters in Istanbul.
The international outcry of Imoglou arrest
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.
