Political Tensions Surge as Turkish Authorities Detain Mayor's Lawyer

Turkish authorities have detained the lawyer of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a significant political rival to President Erdogan. The lawyer faces charges of asset laundering related to a criminal act. Imamoglu and opposition groups claim the case is a political move to eliminate electoral threats.

Turkish authorities have detained a lawyer defending jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political challenger to President Erdogan. The detention sparked further tension, with the lawyer accused of laundering assets from a criminal act, as reported by broadcaster Haberturk.

Imamoglu, whose imprisonment instigated large-scale protests across the country, called for his lawyer's release, condemning the government's actions as a blow to democracy. Political and international bodies argue the charges against the mayor are politically motivated, a claim the government denies, insisting on judicial independence.

Protests persist, largely driven by opposition groups and student bodies. The recent detention of journalists covering these events further escalates the situation. With mass arrests continuing nationwide, the main opposition party CHP plans further rallies to counter government actions, despite official warnings of legal repercussions for demonstrators.

(With inputs from agencies.)