Continuation of protests in Turkey with "right, law, justice" slogan; Selection of Imamoğlu as main candidate of Republican People's Party

Pars Today - The Republican People's Party (CHP) of Turkey has introduced Ekrem Imamoğlu, the detained mayor of Istanbul, as its final candidate for the upcoming presidential elections in the country.

The continuation of protests by the Turkish people against the detention of Istanbul's mayor, the selection of Ekrem Imamoğlu as the CHP's candidate, France's reaction to the protests in Turkey, and Imamoğlu's message from prison to his supporters are among the latest developments in Turkey covered in this news package from Pars Today:

Continuation of protests by the Turkish people against the detention of Istanbul's mayor
On Sunday, political and social activists in Turkey published videos on social media, showcasing a new form of protest against the detention of Ekrem Imamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul. 

The Turkish people expressed their opposition to Imamoğlu's detention by banging on pots and pans inside their homes, turning on lights, and chanting the slogan "right, law, justice." This slogan, popular among opponents of the Turkish government, reflects demands for justice and rights. In addition to Istanbul, several other cities in Turkey also witnessed demonstrations protesting the mayor's detention.

Imamoğlu becomes the final candidate of Turkey's Republican People's Party

The Republican People's Party of Turkey introduced Ekrem Imamoğlu, the detained mayor of Istanbul, as its final candidate for the country’s upcoming presidential elections. According to the results of the intraparty election, Imamoğlu secured 13,211,000 votes. 

The mayor of Istanbul, a prominent opposition figure and potential rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was detained by the government last Wednesday on charges of corruption and terrorism. His detention occurred four days before the CHP announced him as its presidential candidate for the 2028 election.

Imamoğlu's message from prison to his supporters: Participation in intraparty elections is unprecedented

Ekrem Imamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul currently in detention, stated in a message that participation in the intraparty elections of the Republican People's Party (CHP) has reached an "unprecedented" level. 

He noted, "15 million of our citizens voted; millions of people in our country, suffering from oppression, a ruined economy, inefficiency, and lawlessness, rushed to the ballot boxes and told Erdoğan: Enough." Imamoğlu, who is currently detained, is the sole candidate of the CHP in the election. If early elections are held with the approval of 360 parliament members, he will be the main rival to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the presidential race.

France's reaction to the protests in Turkey

The French Foreign Ministry, responding to the Turkish people's protests against the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, stated that protecting the rights of opposition members is a key element in Ankara's relations with the European Union. A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the suspension and detention of Imamoğlu and other Turkish political figures "constitute a serious attack on democracy."

Temporary suspension of 3 Turkish mayors

On Sunday, Turkey's Interior Ministry announced that Ekrem Imamoğlu, the detained mayor of Istanbul, has been temporarily suspended from his position. The ministry also stated that Dozu Murat Çalık, the mayor of Beylikdüzü, and Rasul Emre Şahan, the mayor of Şişli, have been suspended from their posts. Turkish police have so far detained hundreds of people during the protests in the country.

MG/UR