Turkish court orders Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu jailed pending trial

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul and the subject of his arrest until his corruption charges are being tried in court in Turkey, a court-appointed court has announced. His detention sparked widespread protests all over the country.

Imamoglu and at least 20 others were detained as part of a corruption investigation, according to the court. A separate decision regarding a terror-related investigation is not yet available.

According to broadcasters Halk TV and AHaber, the court made the decision to release the mayor, which could prevent the government from appointing a trustee to lead the nation’s largest city.

The government detained the mayor on Wednesday over alleged corruption and terrorism, making him a key opposition figure and potential challenger to former Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Imamoglu has described the allegations as part of a “smear campaign” and has denied all of them.

According to Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, an Imamoglu ally, the jailing is a disgrace to the judiciary.

Imamoglu’s arrest comes after the main opposition party, European leaders, and tens of thousands of protesters criticized his actions as politicized.

The government has denied that the cases have any political motivations.

Security measures were increased.

Sinem Koseoglu, a journalist from Istanbul, reported on the report that several other people were ordered released while their cases were pending.

Koseoglu added that in Istanbul since Saturday night, security has been increased, anticipating more demonstrations on Sunday.

“Unfortunately, protests have been occurring last night in Istanbul, Ankara, and about 50 other cities, including a protest ban that was extended until March 26.”

At least 300,000 people turned out in Istanbul on Saturday night, according to police. The opposition, however, claimed a million people were present. The opposition’s claim to be accurate was not verified by Al Jazeera.

The court’s decision on Sunday also comes as Republican Party (CHP) supporters and opponents prepare to cast ballots in primary elections in order to select a candidate for the upcoming 2028 presidential election. Imamoglu’s candidacy for CHP is likely to be chosen.

In order to bolster public support following Imamoglu’s arrest, the CHP has organized non-party members’ elections.