Ekrem Imamoglu

Social media platform X announced it is challenging the block of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's presidential candidacy account in Turkey, despite skepticism from digital campaigners who cite X's history of complying with government requests to block opposition accounts. The company stated Turkish laws compelled it to act but emphasized it is contesting the order in court.

A Turkish court ordered X to block Ekrem Imamoglu's candidacy account. Imamoglu is a member of the Republican People's Party and considered the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Social media platform X is complying with a Turkish court order to block access in Turkey to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's presidential candidacy office account, citing national security and public order, but is challenging the order in court.

Turkish police detained former actor Erdal Besikcioglu, mayor of Etimesgut Municipality, in raids targeting opposition officials. He is investigated for irregularities and forgery in municipal tenders, alongside other municipal officials and company representatives. Over 50 suspects were detained, and searches were conducted at 71 locations.

Ozgur Ozel, deposed leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), formed the 'New Party' to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ozel and 90 legislators resigned from CHP after a court annulled his 2023 leadership election, reinstating Kemal Kilicdaroglu. The New Party, with 91 legislators, is expected to become the main opposition to Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party.

Ozgur Ozel, a Turkish opposition leader, announced a new political party after a court removed him as chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP). The court's decision and ongoing investigations have weakened the CHP, creating a divided opposition landscape that could impact President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 2028 election prospects.

Ozgur Ozel, the deposed leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), announced plans to form a new party called Yeni Parti to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His removal as CHP leader by a court order and the reinstatement of Kemal Kilicdaroglu sparked controversy, with Ozel accusing the court of politically motivated actions. The new party is expected to attract many CHP legislators and position itself as the main parliamentary opposition.

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, was ejected from a corruption trial court for a second time, with his lawyer calling the decision arbitrary. The trial involves 414 co-defendants and 142 charges against Imamoglu, who denies leading a criminal network. The incident occurred amid a NATO summit and accusations of a politically motivated 'sham' trial.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted NATO leaders in Ankara while Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, representing the Republican People’s Party, defended himself in court against corruption charges. Imamoglu faces 142 charges, including leading a criminal organization, and the court has limited his defense time, with potential prison sentences exceeding 2,000 years if convicted.

A Turkish court ordered comedian Deniz Goktas jailed pending trial on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and religious values after his stand-up routine labeled Erdogan a 'dictator.' The routine, which had 9.5 million views on YouTube, led to complaints from viewers, prompting an investigation. The government maintains that courts are impartial.

The Turkish government has arrested 37 suspects, including mayors from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in operations targeting opposition-run municipalities. The European Parliament criticized Turkey’s rule of law, and the CHP accused authorities of politically motivated actions following its 2024 local election victory.

Hundreds of Turkish riot police used tear gas to remove an ousted opposition leader from the CHP headquarters in Ankara. The leader was dismissed via a court order, part of a year-long legal crackdown by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the opposition party following the 2025 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Emerging-market bond sales are rising as investors return to risk, but Turkish markets declined after the detention of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prominent rival, Ekrem Imamoglu, raising concerns about political instability disrupting economic reforms.