The CHP calls Imamoguru’s detention a “coup,” and vows to ban the mayor from the presidency, opposed the invalidation of his diploma.
Turkish police have arrested the mayor of Istanbul as part of what they say, and investigate alleged links between corruption and terrorism.
Ekrem Imamogul, the leading rival of President Receptacle Tayip Erdogan, was arrested Wednesday morning, with the state-run Anadoru agency saying the prosecutors have issued warrants for the mayor and about 100 others.
Imamoguru posted a video saying, “We are facing a great tyranny, but I want you to know that I am not discouraged.” He accused the government of “taking away the will” of people.
Authorities also closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in clear efforts to prevent protests after Imamoguru’s arrest.
Imamogul was elected Torkier’s biggest city mayor in March 2019 for his historic blow to Erdogan and the President’s Justice and Development Party.
The AK party pushed to negate local election results in cities of 16 million, but Imamoguru won again in repeated elections a few months later.
Imamoguru held his seat after last year’s local elections. His Republican People’s Party (CHP) benefited against the AK party. The AK party still emerged as the dominant winner across the country, and the CHP faced internal criticism about its leadership, internal rivalry and strategic direction.
On Tuesday, the Istanbul university invalidated Imamoguru’s diploma and effectively disqualified him from the next presidential election as having a university degree is necessary for running an election under Turkish law.
Imamoguru said he would challenge the decision.
The CHP – the main opposition party – was scheduled to hold a primary election on Sunday where Imamoguru was expected to be selected as a candidate in future elections. There is a low chance that the vote will progress.
Turkiye’s next presidential vote is scheduled for 2028, but early elections are possible.
CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel has denounced Imamoguru’s arrest as a “coup.”
“We now have the authority to prevent the country from deciding on the next president,” he said. “We are facing an attempted coup against the next president.”
Reported by Diyarbakir, Sinem Koseoglu of Al Jazeera said those arrested include well-known journalists and business figures.
“The main opposition figures responded to the decision that it was illegal and illegal,” she said.
Government officials argue that the courts are operating independently and that legal action against the opposition is politically motivated.
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