US EditionTurkiye's Political Seismic Shift: Arrests of Opposition Mayors Spark Outcry
ADANA, TURKEY, JUL 8 – Several opposition mayors have been detained or placed under house arrest amid a corruption probe, with all denying charges and the Interior Ministry suspending Karalar from duty.
- On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained and jailed on corruption charges, sparking mass protests across Turkey.
- Since Imamoglu's detention, authorities initiated a judicial campaign targeting opposition CHP mayors, amid accusations of politicizing legal actions.
- Recently, three opposition leaders representing the cities of Adiyaman, Adana, and Antalya have been detained or placed under house arrest amid corruption investigations, while Sozcu TV was subjected to a 10-day suspension of its broadcasting rights starting March 27.
- CHP denies the charges, the government asserts judiciary independence, and Human Rights Watch criticized RTUK for restricting free speech, calling it an arm of the presidency.
- These developments followed CHP’s local election gains, signaling rising political tension with potential implications for Turkiye’s democratic processes before upcoming polls.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Turkiye's Political Seismic Shift: Arrests of Opposition Mayors Spark Outcry
Three major opposition mayors in southern Turkiye have been arrested, indicating an escalating crackdown on the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Accusations of organized crime and bribery accompany these detentions amid a backdrop of increasing political tension. The government asserts judiciary independence, yet critics cite political motivations.
Daily Maverick
The Straits TimesTurkish court jails mayor of opposition-run Adana pending trial as crackdown widens
ISTANBUL, July 8 (Reuters) - A Turkish court on Tuesday ruled the mayor of the southern city of Adana should be held in jail pending trial on corruption charges, broadcaster NTV reported, as a legal crackdown on the main opposition continues.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Karalar and Büyükçekmece Deputy Mayor Şahin, who were arrested, were suspended from their posts with temporary measures.
A new operation was conducted as part of the investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Ten suspects were taken into custody. Among those detained were Murat Ongun's driver, Fatih Keleş's driver, Kadriye Kasapoğlu's driver, İbrahim Özkan's Ağaç A.Ş. employee, and numerous businesspeople.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
