Ekrem İmamoğlu under investigation amid crackdown
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Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, saying that the popular mayor's remarks criticizing Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek constituted a "threat."
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued the following statement:
“An investigation has been initiated ex officio against Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu due to his threatening remarks against Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek and his family in a program he attended today, and for the crimes of threatening and targeting people who are on duty in the fight against terrorism.”
A step back: Cem Aydın, Chairperson of the Youth Branches of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was detained in a morning in a raid on his home. Charges included "insulting a public officer" and "targeting an individual involved in the struggle against terror." This charge was also brought on by Aydın sharing a video post criticizing Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek on the official social media account of the CHP Youth Branches.
Some background: İmamoğlu is seen as the strongest political rival of President Erdoğan. He first won Istanbul's mayorship back in 2019 local elections against governing AK Party's candidate. The election results showed a slight majority in favor of Imamoğlu but the election body decided to repeat the elections, which drew mass condemnation. However, Imamoğlu won again, with a larger majority this time. He was victorious again in 2024 local elections, where he comfortably won against another AK Party candidate. Through consecutive wins against AK Party candidates, despite being the subject of many anti-propaganda efforts by pro-government news outlets and even Erdoğan himself on numerous occasions.
The Quote: Stating that he stands by his words, İmamoğlu said the following regarding the investigation:
“Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor launched an investigation against me for allegedly threatening him and his family. There is not a single word of threat in my speech. On the contrary, I never threatened anyone over their family and children. Every word I used was a demand for an impartial law for the children and future of everyone in this country. I stand by my word, always, justice for all. I refer the Chief Public Prosecutor to God and the conscience of the nation.”
Recommended read: Turkey's opposition mayors under pressure | Aposto World
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Aposto WorldThis newsletter offers a comprehensive overview of global events from each continent, curated from diverse international media sources. On Mondays, you will receive Aposto World in your inbox and we will give you only the relevant information on just the important stuff, from an Istanbul perspective.
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This newsletter offers a comprehensive overview of global events from each continent, curated from diverse international media sources. On Mondays, you will receive Aposto World in your inbox and we will give you only the relevant information on just the important stuff, from an Istanbul perspective.
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