Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition mayor of Istanbul, has publicly condemned the ongoing lawsuits against him as 'judicial harassment.' During a rally outside Istanbul's Caglayan court on January 31, 2025, Imamoglu addressed supporters, asserting that he is facing two investigations related to his comments about Istanbul's chief public prosecutor and a court-appointed expert witness. He firmly denied allegations of threatening and insulting officials, emphasizing his right to free speech. Imamoglu characterized the situation as the highest level of judicial harassment in Istanbul, a claim that resonates with many in the opposition [ddb97ad9].
The rally drew significant support, with attendees wearing face masks and holding banners in solidarity. Among those present was Mansur Yavas, the opposition mayor of Ankara, who accused the Turkish government of transforming the country into an 'open prison' for dissenters. Imamoglu vowed to continue his fight against what he perceives as systemic injustice, reflecting a broader sentiment among opposition figures in Turkey who have faced increasing legal pressures since the 2016 coup attempt [ddb97ad9].
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the Turkish government and opposition leaders, as authorities have been accused of targeting journalists and political representatives in a bid to stifle dissent. Imamoglu's statements and the rally signify a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for political freedom and expression in Turkey [ddb97ad9].