Displaying items by tag: Recep Erdogan

The mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, has been arrested days before he was to be selected as a presidential candidate. Along with 100 others, he has been charged with corruption and aiding a terrorist group. The arrest comes as part of a major crackdown nationwide in recent months, targeting opposition politicians, municipalities, journalists and figures in the entertainment industry. It has triggered nationwide protests, with police using force to disperse crowds. The government has imposed four days of restrictions in Istanbul, banning public gatherings and limiting internet access. The opposition sees this as a politically motivated move to weaken Imamoglu’s challenge to president Recep Erdogan, whose party was recently defeated in elections in Istanbul and Ankara. The government denies interference, insisting on judicial independence. Imamoglu has faced other challenges, including the annulment of his university degree, which would disqualify him from running. The international community has condemned the arrest, warning of Turkey’s increasing authoritarianism.

Israel and Turkey have announced the return of full diplomatic ties between the two nations, including the reinstatement of ambassadors and consulate generals. This constitutes an important asset for regional stability and very important economic news for Israelis. Their relationship had deteriorated over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Erdogan has been a harsh critic of Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians. Turkey has also hosted several Hamas leaders, which further strained relations between the two nations. Many believe Erdogan’s wish to renew these relations is a result of Turkey's economy floundering and his popularity dipping as a result.