Turkish court sends Istanbul mayor to jail on corruption charges

Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader and key challenger to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was formally arrested on Sunday on corruption charges.

His detention, following a raid on his residence, has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, marking the largest wave of demonstrations in over a decade.

Critics view the arrest as a politically motivated move aimed at sidelining Imamoglu from the presidential race, currently scheduled for 2028.

The government, however, denies any political interference, maintaining that the judiciary operates independently.

Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) responded defiantly by proceeding with an internal vote to nominate him as their presidential candidate.

The party also introduced “solidarity ballot boxes” across the country, allowing citizens to symbolically express their support.

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, a fellow CHP member, condemned the legal proceedings, accusing authorities of a lack of transparency.

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"Even lawyers were denied access to crucial case details, while TV analysts discussed them openly. This shows the political nature of the case," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Imamoglu took to social media, urging citizens to participate in the symbolic vote. "I call on all 86 million citizens to make their voices heard and stand up for democracy and justice," read his post on X.

The unfolding situation has intensified concerns over democracy and judicial independence in Turkey, while also drawing attention from international observers.

How CHP navigates this crisis, and whether Imamoglu can maintain his political momentum despite his detention, will be crucial in shaping Turkey’s political landscape in the coming years.