Turkish court imprisons Istanbul Mayor pending trial
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A Turkish criminal court ruled on Sunday to imprison Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was arrested on March 19, pending trial on charges of terrorism and corruption.
Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and a leading rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, faces allegations of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. He has strongly denied the charges, calling them “unimaginable accusations and slanders.”
The decision to detain the Istanbul mayor has sparked nationwide protests, with thousands taking to the streets across Turkey, condemning the move as undemocratic.
Meanwhile, members of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and supporters are heading to polling stations on Sunday for a party primary to endorse Imamoglu as their candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.
With over 1.5 million members, the CHP has set up 5,600 ballot boxes across all 81 Turkish provinces. The next Turkish presidential election is scheduled for 2028.