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News| | Publish on Sun, 03/23/2025 - 08:39

Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges

Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier this week, sparking the largest wave of street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade.

Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges

The arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked outrage both within Turkey and internationally, with many accusing President Erdogan of using the legal system to eliminate political opponents. The move to imprison Imamoglu is seen as a way to prevent him from running in the next presidential race and further consolidate Erdogan's power. Critics argue that the charges against Imamoglu are politically motivated and that the lack of transparency in the legal proceedings is concerning. The Council of Europe has called for his immediate release, condemning the decision to detain him. Despite facing multiple criminal cases and challenges to his eligibility to run for president, Imamoglu remains a popular figure in Turkey, with many viewing him as a strong contender against Erdogan. His victory in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election was a significant blow to Erdogan's party, and his continued political success has posed a challenge to the president's rule. The international response to Imamoglu's arrest has been mixed, with some pointing to the EU's reluctance to criticize Turkey due to security concerns and the United States' focus on domestic issues. This lack of external pressure has allowed Erdogan to take extreme measures against his opponents without fear of repercussions. Overall, Imamoglu's arrest has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and rule of law in Turkey, with many fearing that Erdogan's government is increasingly using legal means to suppress political dissent and consolidate power.

Author Name: The Associated Press

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