Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Caglayan courthouse to protest legal actions against Ekrem Imamoglu, a potential future leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and a possible challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu testified for two hours regarding comments he made about a chief prosecutor and a court expert, sparking criticism that the probes are an attempt to remove him from the political scene. He has previously been convicted of insulting members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council and faces a potential political ban if his conviction is upheld. Imamoglu is also on trial for alleged involvement in bid rigging.
Tensions rose as riot police blocked a CHP bus from approaching the courthouse, leading to clashes and police using tear gas. It is unclear if any arrests were made. Addressing supporters from atop the bus at another location, Imamoglu described the situation as a plot against him in Istanbul. Imamoglu first won the mayoral election in Istanbul in 2019, dealing a historic blow to Erdogan’s party. The election results were challenged, leading to a repeat election which he also won, and he was reelected as mayor last year. The gathering of supporters outside the courthouse highlights the ongoing political turmoil and power struggle in Turkey.
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