Istanbul: Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Akim Amoglo, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), on allegations of corruption and terrorism, which has given rise to anger by the opposition party.
Amogloo was arrested on Wednesday, his party was expected to officially name Erdogan’s challenge in future elections.
The CHP condemned the move, calling it a “attempt to rebel against our next president”.
Several investigations to target Amoglovo
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office has launched two separate investigations against Amogloo, which has been charged:
- Corruption and bribery
- To guide a criminal organization
- Tender fraud in municipal contracts
- Helping the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been classified as a terrorist group
According to the prosecution, the first investigation included 100 suspects, including journalists and businessmen, in connection with the fake tenders provided by the Istanbul Municipality.
The second case has been accused of Amoglo and six others of providing material support to the PKK terrorist group. In its 40-year terrorist campaign against Turkey, PKK Jo Tirkes, which is a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, newborns and the elderly.
Amogloo has vowed to fight the charges
After his detention, Amogloo posted a video on the X (formerly Twitter), which says he would not back down in a state of pressure.
He said, “I will not give up.
In a separate development, Istanbul University canceled the degree of Amogloh just one day before its detention. If maintained, the move may disqualify from participating in the Turkish presidential election, and raises more concerns among opposition leaders who claim that it has participated in Erdogan’s most strong efforts to advance the strongest challenge.
The next presidential election has been scheduled in 2028, but analysts believe that if Erdogan decides to get another job, he can demand an initial vote. Under the Turkish Constitution, Erdogan can only re -operate if Parliament demands preliminary elections before its current term expires.
Authorities in Istanbul ban protests
Amidst the rising tensions, the governor’s office of Istanbul has imposed a four -day ban on all protests and public gatherings throughout the city.
The CHP and other opposition leaders have condemned the crackdown, calling it an authoritarian move to suppress political opponents before the elections.
Meanwhile, Erdogan’s government has defended the arrests, insisting that they are part of anti -corruption and counter -terrorism efforts.
