Turkish prosecutors seek to detain Istanbul mayor
Photo: Ekrem Imamoglu (rudaw.net)
Prosecutors in Türkiye have requested the court to detain Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his four aides. The charges include accusations of terrorism and corruption, Reuters informs.
It’s important to note that İmamoğlu is a key opposition figure and a potential challenger to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On Wednesday, the Istanbul mayor was detained on charges including bribery and aiding a terrorist organization.
However, he dismissed the accusations, calling them "unimaginable accusations and slanders." The court is expected to rule on his detention this morning, Sunday.
Under Turkish law, if İmamoğlu is arrested on terrorism charges, the government would have the authority to appoint a trustee to oversee the municipality.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted across Türkiye. Yesterday, thousands of people gathered outside Istanbul’s municipal building and the main courthouse. Hundreds of police officers were stationed at both locations, using tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowds, while protesters responded by throwing firecrackers and other objects.
Read more about why Erdoğan’s rival was detained and how the world is reacting in RBC-Ukraine’s full report.
