Turkey’s Istanbul Mayor Jailed, Protests Erupt Across the Country
Imamoglu’s Jailing Sparks Widespread Protests
Turkish authorities have jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Sunday pending trial on graft charges, state media and other broadcasters reported. This move is likely to stoke the country’s biggest protests against President Tayyip Erdogan’s government in more than a decade.
Opposition Party and European Leaders Criticize the Move
The decision to send Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main political rival, to prison comes after the main opposition party, European leaders, and tens of thousands of protesters criticized the actions against him as politicised and undemocratic.
Corruption Investigation and Terror-Related Charge
The court said Imamoglu, 54, and at least 20 others were jailed as part of a corruption investigation, one of two that were opened against him last week. The court decided to release the mayor under judicial control measures over a separate terror-related charge, broadcasters Halk TV and AHaber reported. This move potentially blocks the government from appointing a trustee to run the country’s largest city.
Imamoglu Denies Charges, Calls Them "Unimaginable Accusations and Slanders"
Imamoglu, who leads Erdogan in some polls, has denied the charges, calling them "unimaginable accusations and slanders."
Protests Continue Across the Country
Protests have been ongoing for a third night, with thousands gathering outside the Istanbul municipality building and the main courthouse, with hundreds of police stationed at both locations using tear gas and pepper spray pellets to disperse protesters. The crowd hurled firecrackers and other objects at them.
Government Denies Political Motivation, Warns Against Protests
The government denies that investigations are politically motivated and says courts are independent. It has warned against protests, especially given a nationwide ban on street gatherings that was extended on Saturday for four more days.
Conclusion
The jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, with many criticizing the move as politicized and undemocratic. The government has denied any political motivation behind the investigation, but the move has only fueled more protests and criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the reason behind the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu?
- He is being held pending trial on graft charges.
- What is the response of the opposition party and European leaders?
- They have criticized the move as politicised and undemocratic.
- How many people have been detained during protests?
- 323 people have been detained during protests over the investigation.
- When is the next general election scheduled in Turkey?
- No general election is scheduled until 2028.