Supporters and municipality workers hold a rally in support of Istanbul mayor following his detention over a corruption probe outside Sisli municipality HQ in Istanbul
Human Rights Watch condemns detention of Istanbul mayor
HRW Turkey Director describes the detentions of Ekrem Imamoglu and others from the Istanbul municipality as part of a "pattern of politically motivated investigations" aimed at undermining opposition activities.
Wednesday 19/03/2025
Supporters and municipality workers hold a rally in support of Istanbul mayor following his detention over a corruption probe outside Sisli municipality HQ in Istanbul
ANKARA - Human Rights Watch Turkey Director Emma Sinclair-Webb condemned the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and others from the Istanbul municipality on Wednesday, calling it a "flagrant abuse of the justice system".
In comments to Reuters, Sinclair-Webb described the detentions as part of a "pattern of politically motivated investigations" aimed at undermining opposition activities.
She called for the immediate release of Imamoglu and those detained.
The government has denied cracking down on opponents of President Tayyip Erdogan and says the judiciary is independent.
Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said in a statement that calling Imamoglu's detention a "coup" was a sign of "political degeneration."