Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu Slams Arrest of Üsküdar Mayor as Attack on Democracy

Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has strongly condemned the arrest of Sinem Dedetaş, the mayor of Üsküdar, calling it an assault on democratic principles. İmamoğlu, who himself is a prominent opposition figure facing legal challenges, voiced his criticism via social media. He asserted that the arrest of an elected official undermines the constitutional order and the fundamental right of citizens to choose their representatives. The statement from İmamoğlu's Presidential Candidate Office framed the situation as a deliberate targeting of elected mayors by what it termed the "Palace regime." This action, it argued, involves dragging elected officials through the courts and disseminating images of their detentions, which is seen as a direct attack on the nation's constitutional framework and the electorate's will. The office reiterated its full support for Mayor Dedetaş, emphasizing their solidarity with her during this ordeal. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and legal scrutiny faced by opposition figures in Turkey.