ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Turkish police have arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and terrorism links, according to media reports. Anadolu Agency says prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for about 100 other people.
Authorities closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in an apparent attempt to prevent protests following his arrest. The arrest came after a search of his home the day after a university invalidated his degree, effectively disqualifying the popular opposition figure from running for president. Having a college degree is a requirement to run for election under Turkish law.
The mayor’s main opposition party, the Republican Peoplès Party, will hold primaries on Sunday, where Imamoglu is expected to be chosen as the candidate for future presidential elections.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Ipa Agency-
