19.03.2025 10:51
This morning, an operation was carried out against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. İmamoğlu and many individuals close to him were taken into custody. İmamoğlu's detention received widespread coverage in the international press. International agencies reported the news to their subscribers as breaking news.
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The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor and expected CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu has caused a significant stir in the international press. Many media outlets interpreted İmamoğlu's detention as an increase in political tensions in Turkey.
Associated Press (AP) stated that İmamoğlu was detained on allegations of 'corruption' and 'terror' connections, viewing this as part of the government's pressure on opposition leaders.
Financial Times also featured İmamoğlu's detention on its front page. The report noted that İmamoğlu faced numerous criminal investigations due to his political speeches and accused the government of using the judiciary to maintain its power.
Reuters reported that detention operations began in the early hours, mentioning accusations against approximately 100 individuals, including İmamoğlu.
The report conveyed that the Republican People's Party (CHP) described this move as "an attempted coup against our future president" and stated that İmamoğlu would continue his political struggle.
Bild announced İmamoğlu's arrest with the headline "Erdoğan's rival İmamoğlu detained." The report indicated that İmamoğlu was detained after a raid on his home and faced charges of "membership in a criminal organization and corruption." It emphasized that the cancellation of his university diploma could jeopardize his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028.
Leading financial publications like Bloomberg and Barron's also featured İmamoğlu's detention prominently. Bloomberg assessed İmamoğlu's detention as "an increase in pressure on the opposition in Turkey," while Barron's highlighted the potential impact of this development on Turkey's political and economic stability. Both news organizations noted that İmamoğlu's detention could complicate the opposition's situation ahead of the upcoming elections.
Germany-based Deutsche Welle (DW) reported, "Turkey's main political rival, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was set to be nominated as his party's presidential candidate. His detention came after the cancellation of his university diploma, which reduced his eligibility for candidacy."
U.S.-based CNN also reported, "According to prosecutors, Turkish authorities issued detention orders for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, one of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's key rivals, and about 100 others. This decision came just a few days before the main opposition party CHP's primary elections. İmamoğlu was expected to be selected as a presidential candidate in this election."
India-based Times of India reported on the issue with the headline, "Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in an alleged corruption and terrorism investigation." The report stated, "Turkish police detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a significant figure in the opposition, on charges of corruption and terror connections."
The Guardian, a UK-based newspaper, reported İmamoğlu's detention with the headline, "Istanbul Mayor detained just days before potential presidential candidacy." The article stated, "The significant rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was detained just a day after his university diploma was invalidated; this move was deemed politically motivated."
Russian news agency Ria Novosti announced İmamoğlu's detention, stating, "Protests were banned following the detention of the mayor in Istanbul."
U.S.-based Washington Post published a report titled, "Turkey issues detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a rival of President Erdoğan." The article included, "Prosecutors issued detention orders for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and about 100 others. State-supported media reported that İmamoğlu is one of the leading figures in the opposition."
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