Istanbul, Turkey – In a recent development that has heightened tensions in Turkey, Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul currently detained under allegations of corruption, reported through his legal team that his lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, was also detained. The charge against Pehlivan was described as unfounded by Imamoglu, who communicated via a post on social media platform X.
The arrest of Pehlivan, who represented the mayor during his legal proceedings last Sunday, adds another layer to an already volatile political climate. Imamoglu, regarded as a principal adversary to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested a week prior—just as he was anticipated to declare his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. His apprehension triggered the most significant anti-government demonstrations Turkey has seen in over a decade.
Following Imamoglu’s arrest, Turkish authorities have detained almost 1,900 individuals, encompassing protesters and journalists. This crackdown extends to the media, with the Turkish Journalists’ Union reporting the recent arrests of Nisa Sude Demirel and Elif Bayburt, reporters from Evrensel newspaper and ETHA news agency respectively, in dawn raids carried out at their homes.
Last Thursday marked the release of 11 journalists who had been detained under similar circumstances earlier in the week. This series of arrests reflects an escalating crackdown on media freedoms, with foreign reporters also feeling the repercussions. The BBC reported the expulsion of its correspondent, Mark Lowen, allegedly for his coverage of the ongoing protests.
In the realm of broadcast media, Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) has also taken stringent measures. It imposed fines and broadcasting suspensions on several networks, including a 10-day broadcasting halt for SZC TV, accusing them of biased reporting connected to the recent arrests and protests.
As the government responds to demonstrations with an increasing show of force, protests have continued across major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Erdogan has dismissed the protests as mere theatrics, warning participants of potential legal repercussions. Nonetheless, instances of police employing water cannons, tear gas, and other forms of crowd-control measures against demonstrators have been documented, with several protests encountering police resistance.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has advocated for the continuation of protests, highlighting the civilian pushback against what they argue is an infringement on democratic rights and freedoms in Turkey.
This brief is an automatic composition by OpenAI. Details such as names, facts, and circumstances may be speculative or inaccurate. For corrections, retractions, or to request article removal, please contact [email protected].