Turkey is witnessing a wave of protests as the opposition vows to continue demonstrations until either early presidential elections are announced or jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is freed. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the Republican People's Party, spoke about the intensifying protests, citing a major rally planned for Saturday in Istanbul as a launch into the campaign for Imamoglu, who aspires to run for president in 2028.
Imamoglu's arrest spurred significant public outcry, leading to the largest protests seen in Turkey in a decade. The protests have turned tense, with reports of clashes, tear gas, and rubber bullets being used against demonstrators. Ozel expressed his thoughts after visiting Imamoglu in prison, arguing that the allegations against the mayor are unfounded and are an attempt to undermine his political potential.
Ozel condemned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government for using judicial means to stifle opposing voices in the political arena, asserting that Imamoglu's imprisonment is a strategic effort to hinder his chances of securing the presidency. The opposition aims to galvanize public support, emphasizing their determination to fight for democracy, while they feel abandoned by significant Western allies like the UK.
As the political climate in Turkey becomes ever more volatile, the opposition remains committed to their cause. Ozel believes that should Imamoglu's candidacy be hindered, any member of the CHP could rally enough support to win elections, reflecting the resilient spirit of the Turkish opposition in these challenging times.
