The leader of the Republican People's Party, Oguz Ozel, declared ongoing protests across Turkey, demanding early presidential elections or the release of jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, following unprecedented mass demonstrations sparked by Imamoglu's arrest.
Turkish Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Demands Are Met
Turkish Opposition Leader Promises Nationwide Protests Until Demands Are Met
Oguz Ozel insists protests will persist across Turkey until early elections are called or Istanbul's jailed mayor is released.
Turkey's political landscape is facing a significant upheaval as Oguz Ozel, the head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), has vowed that protests will continue "in every city" until early presidential elections are announced or until Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, is freed from prison. Ozel made these remarks during an interview with the BBC, emphasizing a planned large-scale demonstration this Saturday in Istanbul to highlight the campaign for Imamoglu's candidacy in the upcoming 2028 presidential election.
The protests erupted after Imamoglu's arrest seven days ago, with Ozel celebrating the turnout as the largest Turkey has seen in over a decade. Despite the peaceful beginnings, clashes occurred, and authorities used tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators. In response to the opposition's mobilization, over 1,400 individuals have been arrested, including several journalists.
Imamoglu was confirmed last week as the CHP's presidential candidate, despite his incarceration. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the protests, labeling them as "street terrorism" and suggesting the opposition's momentum would wane. During his visit to Imamoglu's prison, Ozel conveyed optimism about the mayor's condition while denouncing the corruption charges against him as fabricated.
The urgency of the protests, Ozel noted, arises from the belief that Imamoglu could potentially defeat Erdogan in the upcoming elections if not hindered by his imprisonment. The CHP feels abandoned by international allies, particularly criticizing the UK Labour Party for its silence amid the crisis. Should Imamoglu remain incarcerated, Ozel believes the CHP can still present a formidable candidate for the presidency.
Turkey finds itself at a crossroad of public dissent and political maneuvering as the opposition rallies for democratic processes they feel are under threat.
