This is democracy in Turkey. Anyone who disagrees with the Turkish President, challenges him, or believes they could defeat him in elections faces persecution. This is precisely what happened with the Mayor of Istanbul, who was arrested the day before yesterday by the Ankara regime.
The scenario was orchestrated by Erdoğan to neutralise his political opponent, who threatens him democratically through elections. As widely reported, police forces entered his residence and arrested him.
This followed the invalidation of his university degree, preventing him from standing as a candidate for the country’s Presidency in the upcoming 2028 elections. His degree was deemed fraudulent.
Beyond İmamoğlu, dozens of others were arrested, including businesspeople and journalists. All are considered political opponents of Erdoğan, people who disagree with the Turkish President.
İmamoğlu has defeated Erdoğan’s party in two consecutive Istanbul municipal elections. His popularity is what frightens Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. All of the above points to a scenario orchestrated by the regime against the mayor.
All this while the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) was preparing to nominate İmamoğlu as their presidential candidate on March 23, this coming Sunday.
What we are witnessing cannot be tolerated in the European Union. The EU cannot “swallow” this action. We are not defending İmamoğlu, who on issues concerning us might be tougher than Erdoğan himself.
We are, however, noting an action and the reasons behind the regime’s behaviour. We stand against anything undemocratic.
This is not the first time the Turkish government has imprisoned opponents.
Take the example of Selahattin Demirtaş of the pro-Kurdish party. It should also be noted that in recent times, other mayors who politically oppose the regime have been arrested.
At a time when Turkey appears to be gaining international influence and warming relations with the EU, it commits an authoritarian and thoroughly undemocratic act by imprisoning a political opponent.
This is Erdoğan’s version of “democracy,” as he creates a scenario of absolute dominance.
