Why it matters:
The arrests could have implications for the political landscape as the country approaches future elections.
More than a dozen mayors from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, and hundreds of municipal officials have been arrested in recent months for alleged corruption, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The arrest of Imamoglu, viewed as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main challenger in the next presidential elections, led to widespread protests.
The big picture:
The detentions come amid a broader investigation into corruption within local municipalities, particularly targeting the CHP.
The CHP or Republican People's Party is the oldest political party in Turkey and is currently the second largest party in the Grand National Assembly with 137 MPs, behind the ruling conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The CHP says the arrests and allegations are part of a government offensive to weaken the opposition and clear the way for another five years in office for Erdogan. The government denies the claims and says Turkey’s courts are independent.
What he is saying:
The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office stated that the detentions were ordered in connection with an investigation into alleged extortion, bribery, fraud, and bid rigging by the Istanbul’s Bayrampasa municipality.
Go deeper:
Over 1,100 Arrests Amid Nationwide Protests in Turkey: Official Report
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