Fri Jan 31 16:30:05 UTC 2025: ## Istanbul Mayor Denies Charges of Judicial Interference Amidst Protests
**Istanbul, Turkey** – Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of attempting to influence the judiciary. The charges stem from Imamoglu’s criticism of legal cases against opposition-run municipalities, specifically remarks he made about a chief prosecutor and court expert. He denies threatening, insulting, or targeting officials.
Imamoglu’s appearance in court sparked large-scale protests from thousands of supporters who gathered outside, clashing with riot police after a CHP bus was blocked from approaching the courthouse. Imamoglu addressed the crowd later, calling the charges a “conspiracy” against Istanbul. Fellow opposition mayor Mansur Yavas echoed concerns, accusing the government of transforming Turkey into an “open prison.”
This case is the latest in a series of legal challenges against opposition politicians, raising concerns about eroding judicial independence under Erdogan’s rule. Imamoglu already faces a potential political ban following a 2022 conviction for insulting election officials. He is also separately on trial for alleged bid-rigging.
Critics, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the ongoing targeting of opposition figures, describing the removal of elected mayors and appointment of government trustees as a violation of democratic rights and free and fair elections. The practice, they argue, undermines democratic processes and further limits political dissent. The mayor’s supporters vowed to continue their fight against what they see as political persecution.
First Piper 