Mass protests erupt in Turkey over Istanbul Mayor’s arrest
Istanbul: Massive protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges, widely seen as politically motivated. Demonstrators in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, and other cities have taken to the streets for six consecutive nights, demanding his release and condemning what they call democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule.
Authorities have responded with force, deploying water cannons, tear gas, and plastic bullets, while some protesters have thrown stones and fireworks at police. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 1,133 demonstrators were detained between Wednesday and Sunday, with 43 arrested for allegedly insulting Erdoğan and his family.
Amid the unrest, opposition leader Özgür Özel of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) visited İmamoğlu at Silivri Prison on Tuesday. He has called for a final rally outside Istanbul’s City Hall and announced that the party will appoint a municipal council member as acting mayor to prevent a government-appointed replacement.
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities have cracked down on journalists covering the protests, detaining eight reporters for allegedly violating laws on demonstrations. Media unions have condemned the arrests as an attack on press freedom.
İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and potential challenger to Erdoğan, was arrested on March 19 on charges of running a criminal organization, bribery, extortion, and bid-rigging, all of which he denies. His suspension from office has fueled speculation that Erdoğan may call an early election before 2028 to extend his rule.
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President Murmu nominates Harivansh to Rajya Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Rajya Sabha's outgoing deputy chairman Harivansh as a member of the Council of States.
The tenure of Harivansh as a member of the Upper Houses ended on April 9.
He has been nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha after the vacancy was created following the retirement of former chief justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Harivansh to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused due to retirement of one of the nominated member," an official notification of the government said.
Harivansh, 69, has completed his two terms as a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Bihar. He has also served as deputy chairman of the Upper House.
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