Akrom Imamoglu denies the charges of corruption and involvement in terrorism

Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 19. He was charged with corruption and collaboration with terrorist organizations.

Turkey's opposition party and international observers say the arrest is part of a pre-election political crackdown. İmamoğlu is one of the main political rivals of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

İmamoğlu denies all charges

According to SZV TV, Ekrem İmamoğlu gave a three-hour testimony and denied all charges. He is expected to appear in court at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has commented on his arrest, saying the opposition is trying to politicize the incident.

Social media restricted in Turkey, lira plummets

Political and economic instability in Turkey is intensifying following Imamoglu's arrest:

• The Turkish lira has fallen to a historic low.
  
• Mass protests are intensifying in the country.
  
• The Turkish government has restricted social media, which has further intensified public protests.
  

Imamoglu is the only opposition candidate

Ekrem Imamoglu is a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), the main representative of the Turkish opposition. His being seen as one of the main candidates for the Turkish presidency has fueled speculation that the government is putting such pressure on him.

According to sources, the government's goal is to bring Istanbul back under the control of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Imamoglu's arrest could lead to a serious crisis in the Turkish political scene. Tensions between the government and the opposition are growing, and this could have a major impact on the country's electoral process.

The political situation in Turkey is in the spotlight of the international community, and Imamoglu's trial could become one of the decisive stages for the country's political future. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”