Türkiye: Leading Opponent of Erdoğan on Trial

Human Rights Watch reports on the ongoing legal proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul. İmamoğlu, who represents the main opposition and successfully ended years of AKP rule in Istanbul, faces charges that critics argue are part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment against political opponents in Türkiye. The trial could result in a political ban, preventing him from running in upcoming presidential or municipal elections. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that the case lacks a credible legal basis and serves as a tool for political suppression, highlighting concerns over the independence of the Turkish judiciary and the erosion of democratic norms ahead of critical electoral cycles.