ISTANBUL ERUPTS IN “POT RIOT” AFTER MAYOR’S ARREST—HISTORY REPEATS?

Mario Nawfal

@MarioNawfal
🚨🇹🇷 ISTANBUL ERUPTS IN “POT RIOT” AFTER MAYOR’S ARREST—HISTORY REPEATS?

Istanbul is making noise—literally.

Residents are banging pots and pans and flashing their lights in protest against the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main rival in the 2027 election.

It’s déjà vu: back in 2019, Istanbulites banged their way to victory after Erdogan tried to overturn Imamoglu’s election.

Now, the city’s kitchens are once again the front lines of resistance.

Will Erdogan hear the clanging this time?

Source: RIA, RN Intel, Baza

Mario Nawfal

@MarioNawfal
🚨🇹🇷TURKISH LIRA HITS RECORD LOW AFTER ISTANBUL MAYOR’S ARREST

Turkey’s currency plunged to 39 liras per dollar, its weakest level ever, after police raided the home of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a top opponent of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Imamoglu’s detention over a corruption probe sparked outrage from the opposition CHP, calling it a “coup” against democracy.

Source: AFP

Mario Nawfal

@MarioNawfal
🚨🇹🇷 ERDOGAN’S RIVAL BLOCKED FROM ELECTION—TURKISH DEMOCRACY ON THIN ICE?

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s most formidable opponent, just had his university degree revoked, a move that could disqualify him from running in 2028.

The decision came one day after he announced his candidacy—coincidence?

Imamoglu, who outperforms Erdogan in opinion polls, is now facing 23 years in prison, criminal probes, and a possible political ban, Imamoglu accuses the government of “weaponizing the judiciary” to crush opposition.

Critics say the crackdown could backfire, making him an even bigger political force.

Is Erdogan, who once overcame his own political ban, rewriting the rulebook to sideline his biggest rival?

Source: FT

Mario Nawfal

@MarioNawfal
🚨🇹🇷 ERDOGAN ACCUSES TURKEY’S BIGGEST BUSINESS GROUP OF MEDDLING IN POLITICS

Erdogan just took aim at TUSIAD, Turkey’s top business association, accusing it of clinging to past privileges and trying to pressure the government.

The drama started when TUSIAD executive Omer Aras called out the government for silencing critics.

Within days, prosecutors launched an investigation into him, and Istanbul stocks took a hit.

Nothing like a little political turmoil to shake the markets.

TUSIAD, whose members control 85% of Turkey’s foreign trade, defended its role but hasn’t responded to Erdogan’s latest claims.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders say the wave of arrests and probes is more about crushing dissent than enforcing the law.

But according to Erdogan? Everything’s just fine.

Source: Reuters