The opposition leader’s declaration highlights the growing unrest in Turkey amidst claims of political repression and calls for democratic reforms.
Turkey's Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Key Demands Are Met
Turkey's Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Key Demands Are Met
In a bold statement, Turkey's main opposition leader declares widespread protests will persist until early elections or the release of a crucial political figure.
Ozgur Ozel, the chairman of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), has announced that protests will persist "in every city" until either early presidential elections are called or the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is released. This statement, made during an interview with the BBC, follows significant demonstrations across the country after Imamoglu's arrest, which has drawn comparisons to a turning point in Turkey’s political landscape.
A large rally is planned for this Saturday in Istanbul, marking the beginning of the CHP's campaign to position Imamoglu as a presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. "We will hold the biggest rallies in their history," Ozel asserted while emphasizing the public's faith in Imamoglu and democracy. Despite his imprisonment, Imamoglu remains a potentially influential political figure, as protests have amassed large crowds unseen in over a decade, the unrest resulting in more than 1,400 arrests, including journalists covering the demonstrations.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the protests as "street terrorism," accusing demonstrators of violence and vandalism. He predicts the opposition's momentum will gradually decline. Ozel visited Imamoglu in Silivri Prison, asserting that the mayor is in good health, although solitary confinement adds to the severity of his situation. The charges against Imamoglu, described by Ozel as a politically motivated setup, include allegations of corruption which Imamoglu vehemently denies, claiming that his arrest is intended to thwart his political ascent.
Despite the opposition’s strong stance, Ozel expressed disappointment with Western responses, specifically mentioning the silence from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. He argued that such inaction from a noted democracy advocate is disheartening, stating, "It's like your rival coming and slicing the ball in a football game, because you are winning."
Ozel concluded by indicating that if Imamoglu's candidacy is hindered, any member of the CHP would be prepared to run and could potentially secure a decisive victory in the next election cycle. "We will not back down," he asserted, reinforcing the determination of the opposition in the face of political challenges.
A large rally is planned for this Saturday in Istanbul, marking the beginning of the CHP's campaign to position Imamoglu as a presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. "We will hold the biggest rallies in their history," Ozel asserted while emphasizing the public's faith in Imamoglu and democracy. Despite his imprisonment, Imamoglu remains a potentially influential political figure, as protests have amassed large crowds unseen in over a decade, the unrest resulting in more than 1,400 arrests, including journalists covering the demonstrations.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the protests as "street terrorism," accusing demonstrators of violence and vandalism. He predicts the opposition's momentum will gradually decline. Ozel visited Imamoglu in Silivri Prison, asserting that the mayor is in good health, although solitary confinement adds to the severity of his situation. The charges against Imamoglu, described by Ozel as a politically motivated setup, include allegations of corruption which Imamoglu vehemently denies, claiming that his arrest is intended to thwart his political ascent.
Despite the opposition’s strong stance, Ozel expressed disappointment with Western responses, specifically mentioning the silence from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. He argued that such inaction from a noted democracy advocate is disheartening, stating, "It's like your rival coming and slicing the ball in a football game, because you are winning."
Ozel concluded by indicating that if Imamoglu's candidacy is hindered, any member of the CHP would be prepared to run and could potentially secure a decisive victory in the next election cycle. "We will not back down," he asserted, reinforcing the determination of the opposition in the face of political challenges.
