On March 28, 2025, Istanbul’s jailed Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu announced that his lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, had been arrested on what he described as false pretenses. İmamoğlu, a prominent rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressed his outrage over the detention, claiming it was part of a broader attack on democracy in Turkey.
- Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is jailed.
- İmamoğlu's lawyer arrested on false charges.
- Claims of slander and lies against authorities.
- Criticism of a "legal coup" against democracy.
- Calls for the immediate release of his lawyer.
İmamoğlu stated, “There is no end to lies or slander,” and called for the immediate release of his lawyer. He characterized the situation as a legal coup, asserting that the authorities were targeting those who defend democracy.
Ekrem İmamoğlu has been a significant political figure in Turkey, known for his opposition to President Erdoğan. His lawyer’s recent arrest adds to the tensions surrounding his imprisonment. İmamoğlu emphasized that the charges against Pehlivan were fictitious, suggesting a pattern of repression against those who oppose the government.
Key details surrounding the arrest include:
- İmamoğlu’s lawyer was detained on March 28, 2025.
- İmamoğlu described the charges as baseless and politically motivated.
- The situation reflects ongoing concerns about the state of democracy in Turkey.
İmamoğlu’s comments highlight the broader implications of political repression in Turkey, where dissent is often met with legal action. His call for his lawyer’s release underscores the challenges faced by opposition figures in the current political climate.
The arrest of İmamoğlu’s lawyer raises significant questions about the state of justice in Turkey and the treatment of political opponents. As the situation develops, it may have broader implications for the country’s political landscape.
