İstanbul in turmoil: İmamoğlu voted as a presidential candidate despite imprisonment!

İstanbul in turmoil: İmamoğlu voted as a presidential candidate despite imprisonment!

Istanbul, Türkei - In Turkey, millions of people took part in the primary primary republican People's Party (CHP). On March 24, 2025, the results of these primary elections became known, and the detained mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was elected as a presidential candidate. Despite his arrest, he received around 15 million votes, which underlines its importance as the most critical rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. IMAMOğLU is currently in custody due to alleged corruption after being accused of having led a criminal organization, which is considered politically motivated by numerous political observers.

İmamoğlus arrest has triggered numerous protests in which tens of thousands of people in many cities take part. Hundreds of arrested protesters were reported, including in Istanbul, where there were clashes with the police. Tear gas was used there to control the crowd.

The Turkish authorities have called for over 700 user accounts to be blocked on the social network X to contain the protests. Despite these measures, people remained mobilized to demonstrate for the release of İmamoğlus and against the perception of a "political coup d'état". The CHP has called on its members and non-party members for solidarity elections because it sees the situation as an attack on democracy.

background of the arrest

İmamoğlu was arrested on March 21, 2025 for corruption and terrorist allegations. The Turkish state apparatus tries to take legal steps against oppositioners; The Istanbul authorities have already removed several mayors from the CHP of their offices. The arrest fell in time with a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Erdoğan, which is considered strategically for Erdoğan's geopolitical objectives. These recent events raise questions about the conditions of democracy in Turkey and strengthen the position of the CHP in the political landscape.ayı

The regular presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled for 2028. However, President Erdoğan, who has recently lost popularity, could be forced to pre -put the elections given the aspiring approval of the CHP and the impending political instability. İmamoğlu repeatedly rejected the allegations against him and referred to it as a "complete extra -Judicial execution".

international reactions

The international community is increasingly skeptical of developments in Turkey. There is broad criticism of the arrest İmamoğlus, which is perceived as an attack on democratic rights and freedom. Experts warn that the detention of İmamoğlu should intimidate and split the political opposition in Turkey. This procedure could have long -term consequences for Erdoğan, especially if public dissatisfaction continues to grow. Turkey expert Yasar Aydin emphasizes that a prison sentence of over a year would rule out İmamoğlu from a candidacy and could significantly destabilize the political landscape.