Turkey Seizes Company Owned by Arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu
The Istanbul prosecutor has seized a construction firm partly owned by the arrested mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, amidst corruption accusations. His arrest has been criticized by the opposition as a political coup. İmamoğlu, a potential presidential candidate for 2028, leads in polls against Erdoğan, who faces significant electoral challenges.
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that it seized a construction company partially owned by the arrested Istanbul Mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. This decision is linked to ongoing investigations into financial crimes against İmamoğlu.
İmamoğlu was arrested on Wednesday on charges of corruption and supporting a terrorist organization, prompting strong condemnation from the main opposition party, which labeled the arrest a “coup attempt against the next president.”
The Prosecutor’s Office stated that the seizure of “İmamoğlu Construction, Trade, and Industry” came after analyzing financial investigation reports, as reported by Reuters.
At 54 years old, İmamoğlu represents the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and had been leading in polls against current president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with an official presidential nomination expected soon.
The presidential election is set for 2028, as Erdoğan has reached the limit of two terms. He would need to call for early elections or amend the constitution to run again. His party, the AKP, suffered significant losses in last year’s municipal elections to the CHP, marking Erdoğan’s biggest electoral defeat.
The seizure of İmamoğlu’s company and his arrest reflects ongoing political tensions in Turkey, particularly ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The Republican People’s Party views this as an attack against a leading presidential candidate, amid a backdrop of significant electoral shifts in major Turkish cities. Erdoğan’s future political aspirations hinge on constitutional amendments or early elections, following recent electoral setbacks.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
