Istanbul

"Escalating Tensions: Istanbul Mayor’s Legal Team Targeted Amidst Corruption Crackdown"

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Istanbul, Turkey — The ongoing corruption investigation into Istanbul’s opposition-run municipality has escalated with the arrest of another lawyer representing Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Nusret Yılmaz, also the legal advocate for İmamoğlu’s wife, was detained in Trabzon on allegations related to bribery and subsequently brought to Istanbul for questioning. Yılmaz’s detention follows the arrest of İmamoğlu’s other lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, on June 19. Pehlivan faced accusations of belonging to a criminal organization, which he strenuously denied, asserting his affiliations were solely with the Turkish Bar Association and the Istanbul Bar. This recent legal turmoil has intensified … Read more

Political Tensions Rise in Turkey as Lawyer Claims Fabricated Charges Against Istanbul Mayor Signal a Threat to Legal Rights

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ANKARA, Turkey — In the latest escalation of Turkey’s crackdown on opposition figures, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu remains jailed amid claims that his legal defense team is facing fabricated charges aimed at criminalizing their profession. His lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, who has been in custody since last month, described the allegations as entirely unfounded, asserting that they threaten the very concept of legal defense in the country. Pehlivan, who previously faced a day of detention in March, has been accused of belonging to an unspecified criminal organization. This charges come as authorities broaden their investigation into … Read more

Istanbul Celebrates Cinema: Winners Announced at the 44th Istanbul Film Festival

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Istanbul, Turkey — The vibrant city of Istanbul once again celebrated cinematic excellence at the 44th Istanbul Film Festival, curated by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV). The festival culminated in a grand awards ceremony at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, recognizing the best of both Turkish and international films. This year’s edition was marked by a notable change as the national and international competitions were combined into a singular Golden Tulip Competition. This ambitious amalgamation featured 15 films vying for the prestigious Golden Tulip, with entries ranging from domestic cinematic pieces … Read more

Turkey Escalates Crackdown: Arrests of Istanbul Mayor’s Lawyer and Journalists Deepen Unrest

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ISTANBUL, Turkey — Turkey has escalated its actions against anti-government demonstrators recently, detaining the attorney of the imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, and increasing actions against journalists. The arrest of Imamoglu on March 16 has spurred the largest public dissent Turkey has seen in over a decade, prompting a chilling effect among protestors who persist in demonstrations amidst heightened repression. Imamoglu, who is widely regarded as a significant challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had his lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, taken into custody under dubious charges, which opposition sources claim are related to accusations of … Read more