Ozel asserts nationwide demonstrations will culminate in significant rallies, especially in Istanbul, as the opposition rallies support for Imamoglu's presidential candidacy in the 2028 elections.
**Turkey's Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Political Change**
**Turkey's Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Political Change**
Opposition party chairman Ozgur Ozel insists protests will persist across Turkey until either early presidential elections are initiated or jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is freed.
Turkey remains in political turmoil as the head of the main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel, declared that protests will continue throughout the nation until either early presidential elections are called or the convicted Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is released from prison. Ozel, who leads the Republican People's Party (CHP), emphasized during an interview with the BBC the importance of the upcoming larger demonstration this Saturday in Istanbul as a launch for Imamoglu's campaign for the 2028 presidential elections.
Ozel declared, "In every city we go to, we will have the biggest rallies in their history," citing growing public faith in Imamoglu and democracy as pivotal factors for the anticipated growth of the protests. The demonstrations, which have attracted the largest crowds seen in over a decade, have erupted following Imamoglu's arrest seven days ago, leading to the detention of over 1,400 individuals, including several journalists covering the unrest.
In stark contrast to the opposition's calls for justice, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the demonstrators, labeling the protests as "street terrorism" and accusing them of inciting violence against police and damaging public property. He predicts that the opposition's fervor will diminish over time. During a visit to Silivri Prison where Imamoglu is currently held, Ozel reported on the mayor's well-being in solitary confinement and dismissed the corruption charges as politically motivated, citing a baseless case insinuating Imamoglu's past land purchase involved bribery.
The growing dissent among the populace underscores a broader discontent that transcends Imamoglu’s individual situation. Ozel pointed to the arrest's intention to thwart a viable successor to Erdogan, emphasizing Imamoglu's potential as a formidable opponent in upcoming elections based on present opinion polls.
Further expressing frustration at a perceived lack of support from international allies, Ozel lamented the silence from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, arguing that the UK should be more vocal in upholding democratic ideals. Despite this disappointment, the CHP has pledged that, should Imamoglu remain imprisoned, they would continue their political fight, asserting that any CHP member could secure victory in future elections. "If they keep Ekrem Imamoglu locked up... any member of CHP can be a candidate and would be elected with 65% to 70%," Ozel stated confidently.
