CHP declares

The head of the main opposition party of Turkey said the BBC that the protests would continue “in every city” until either the early presidential elections were summoned, or put the mayor of Istanbul, the Imomoglu, from prison.

Ozgur Osel, Chairman of the Republican Party of the mayor (CHP), said that a very large demonstration would be included in Istanbul on Saturday. This will open the party campaign to make Imomoglu’s next president in the elections, which should be released in 2028, he said.

“In every city we will go to, we will have the biggest actions in our history,” Ozel said.

“The belief in Ekrem Imamoglu and democracy will make protests stronger and stronger,” he told us at the Party’s headquarters in Istanbul when visitors, staff and advisers defeated and came out.

The opposition brought a huge crowd on the street – the biggest ones that have been observed here in ten years – since Imomoglu was arrested seven days ago.

Along with the mass demonstrations, there were also mass arrests – more than 1,400 people and counted, including seven Turkish journalists who reported protests.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has many strong supporters, condemned demonstrations as “street terrorism” and accused the rally of the police and damage to state property.

He said the “show” of the opposition disappears over time.

Osel spoke with BBC Fresh from the Siliur’s visit to the high security campus on the outskirts of Istanbul, where Imomoglu passes.

“He is in solitary imprisonment, but he is in good condition and has not yet been complete,” he told us.

Osel said corruption against Mayor Istanbul was “a scam designed to discredit it.”

As an example, he cited the allegations that Imomoglu bought the land cheaply years ago, and the low purchase price, perhaps, was a bribe. “The truth was that a small payment was only a deposit for the land,” he said.

Imomoglu denies all charges against him, including “creating a criminal organization, bribery, extortion and falsification of public tender.”

He says his arrest was a coup. Turkish officials say the courts are independent here. Human rights organizations strongly dispute it.

Osel said Imomoglu was arrested for one simple reason – to prevent the next Turkish president. Opinion polls suggest that the mayor may do this – if he is not behind bars.

“Erdogan threw a three-time winner in prison … Before the world,” Ozel said.

“Suddenly, he is in jail who fights against his usual political way. It’s like your rival that comes and cut the ball in a football game because you win.”

The opposition party believes that the reaction of the Turkish society and the international community will become key when deciding whether Imomoglu remains behind bars.

But Osel said CHP feels Prime Minister Keir Starr and his party.

“While all Europe responds, the English Labor Party and Starmer said nothing.

A few hours earlier, a Starmer press secretary said on Tuesday that there is a “permanent home Turkish legal process” and the UK expects Turkey to defend the rule of law. “

If the mayor is not released, the CHP plans to continue the struggle for the presidency.

“If they hold Ekrem Imamoglu blocked and hindered his candidates,” Ozel said, “any CHP member can be a candidate and will be elected from 65% to 70%.”