Istanbul

Istanbul Mayor’s Lawyer Arrested Amid Widespread Protests and Media Crackdown in Turkey

by

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 … Read more

Turkey Arrests Attorney of Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor, Opposition Party Reports

by

Istanbul, Turkey – In a recent move that has stirred controversy, Turkish authorities have detained a lawyer representing the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, as reported by the country’s main opposition party. The lawyer’s arrest marks the latest development in a series of legal challenges facing Ekrem Imamoglu, the city’s incumbent mayor and a prominent figure in Turkish politics. Imamoglu, who is affiliated with the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has been a significant political figure since defeating a candidate from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party in the 2019 mayoral election. His victory was seen … Read more

Istanbul Lawyer Arrested After European Council Meeting Claims Detention is Politically Motivated

by

Istanbul, Turkey – Fırat Epözdemir, a prominent member of the Istanbul Bar Association Board of Directors, was detained upon his arrival at Istanbul Airport on January 23. Epözdemir had been returning from a meeting at the European Council in Strasbourg, which was focused on defending human rights. Following his detention, Epözdemir was transported to Metris Prison. His arrest has sparked considerable concern among legal professionals and human rights activists, both domestically and internationally. Epözdemir has publicly addressed his arrest via social media, expressing gratitude towards his colleagues and supporters. Notably, he thanked Prof. Dr. İbrahim … Read more

Istanbul Lawyer Arrested on Alleged Connections with Kurdish Militant Group

by

Istanbul, Turkey – A prominent lawyer from Istanbul was detained and subsequently arrested by Turkish authorities on charges linked to terrorism, amid intensified scrutiny over alleged connections to the proscribed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Firat Epözdemir, identified as a board member of the Istanbul Bar Association, faces accusations of “membership in an armed terrorist group” and disseminating “terrorist propaganda.” The arrest, which took place on Saturday, follows Epözdemir’s detainment two days prior at Istanbul Airport. The action is part of a broader probe touching on alleged affiliations with the PKK, considered a terrorist organization by … Read more