**Turkey's Opposition Vows Ongoing Protests Until Jailed Mayor is Released**

Sat Jul 19 2025 02:26:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Turkey's Opposition Vows Ongoing Protests Until Jailed Mayor is Released**

**Increasing Tensions in Turkey as Main Opposition Party Escalates Protests Over Imamoglu’s Imprisonment**


**The head of Turkey's main opposition party has promised a nationwide movement to continue until the incarceration of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, is resolved.**


Turkey's political landscape is increasingly tense as the leader of the primary opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has declared that protests will persist “in every city” until either early presidential elections are held or Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, is granted his freedom. Ozgur Ozel spoke to the BBC, affirming that the CHP will stage a significant demonstration in Istanbul this Saturday, marking the onset of their campaign to elect Imamoglu as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Ozel emphasized the growing public support for Imamoglu and democracy, which has resulted in some of the largest demonstrations Turkey has experienced in over a decade following the mayor's detention just a week prior. Despite the mass mobilization, security forces have retaliated with harsh measures, using tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters and arresting over 1,400 individuals, including several journalists.

Imamoglu’s imprisonment stems from a corruption case that his supporters deem unfounded. He faces serious allegations, including bribery and extortion, yet maintains that his situation is a politically motivated attempt to undermine his potential bid for the presidency. "Erdogan has thrown a three-time election winner in jail," Ozel remarked, underscoring the political ramifications of the mayor's plight.

Conversely, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rebuffed the protests, accusing them of being acts of “street terrorism,” while claiming that security forces and public order are threatened by demonstrators. Despite Erdogan's confidence in the stability of his government, Ozel argues that the international response and local sentiment will be pivotal in determining Imamoglu's future and the CHP’s chances in the upcoming elections.

Addressing the lack of response from international figures, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ozel expressed disappointment, believing that support from established democracies could be crucial in this ongoing struggle. Nevertheless, if Imamoglu remains incarcerated, the CHP has pledged to raise alternative candidates who, according to Ozel, could still secure a significant majority in any future elections.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:11:52 GMT

North Korea Revokes Access to New Seaside Resort for Foreign Tourists

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:11:52 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:00 GMT

Sectarian Violence Erupts in Suweida: Druze Residents Haunted by Brutality

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:57:16 GMT

North Korea's Seaside Resort Closure to Foreigners Raises Questions on Tourism Strategy

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:57:16 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:35:14 GMT

**California's Immigration Raids Spark Chaos and Division**

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:35:14 GMT
Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:09:26 GMT

Cristosal Human Rights Group Abruptly Exits El Salvador Amid Escalating Repression

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:09:26 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:53:29 GMT

Afghan Women Deported from Iran: A Return to Harsh Realities under Taliban Rule

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:53:29 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:51:41 GMT

**Israel Responds with Airstrikes Amidst Sectarian Violence in Suweida**

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:51:41 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:04:14 GMT

**Ethiopian Army Accused of Executing Humanitarian Workers in Tigray Conflict**

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:04:14 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:45:41 GMT

From Military Leader to Statesman: The Complex Legacy of Buhari in Nigeria's Political Landscape

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:45:41 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:10:29 GMT

Unrest Erupts in Torre Pacheco: Anti-Migrant Riots Follow Assault on Pensioner

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:10:29 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:28:19 GMT

**Anti-Migrant Instability Erupts in Torre Pacheco, Spain: 14 Arrested Amid Riots**

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:28:19 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:04:25 GMT

Weaponizing the Courts: The Dark Side of Lawfare Explored

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:04:25 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:16:23 GMT

Tensions Rise Between Argentina's President Milei and VP Villarruel Over Pension Hike Controversy

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:16:23 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:44:42 GMT

**Judge Halts Indiscriminate Immigration Detentions Amid Protests**

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:44:42 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:57:56 GMT

A Tragic Loss: 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki Killed Amidst Kenya's Protests

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:57:56 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:18:45 GMT

France and New Caledonia Reach Landmark Autonomy Agreement

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:18:45 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:53:18 GMT

Russian Tourists Visit New North Korean Resort Amid Concerns Over Human Rights Violations**

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:53:18 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:47:00 GMT

Judge Halts Trump's Indiscriminate Immigration Detention Practices

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:47:00 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:46:00 GMT

**Has William Ruto Become Kenya's Most Disliked President?**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:46:00 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:44:17 GMT

**Indigenous Community Fights to Preserve Sacred Springs Amidst Coal Mining Controversy**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:44:17 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.