ISTANBUL: Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday charged Istanbul’s jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu with 142 offenses that could carry a penalty of hundreds of year in prison, court documents showed.
The nearly 4,000-page indictment charges the popular opposition mayor, who was arrested on March 19, with offenses including running a criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, extortion and tender rigging.
The arrest of Imamoglu, the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prompted outrage from the main opposition CHP party and widespread demonstrations in Turkiye’s worst bout of street unrest since 2013.
According to the indictment, Imamoglu was allegedly at the head of a sprawling crime network over which he exerted his influence “like an octopus.”
State news agency Anadolu said prosecutors were asking for a prison sentence that could amount to up to 2,430 years behind bars.
Prosecutor files 142 charges against Istanbul mayor, a top Erdogan critic: indictment
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Prosecutor files 142 charges against Istanbul mayor, a top Erdogan critic: indictment
- The arrest of Imamoglu prompted outrage from the main opposition CHP party and widespread demonstrations
- According to the indictment, Imamoglu was allegedly at the head of a sprawling crime network
GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran
- KONO Taro, head of international relations for the LDP, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials
- Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation
TOKYO: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ambassadors met on Tuesday with leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to explore deeper collaboration across multiple fields and tackle pressing issues related to Iran.
KONO Taro, head of the party’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials.
Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation.
Ambassador Binzagr emphasized that during periods of heightened tension, open dialogue with trusted partners like Japan is essential. He noted that diplomacy and clear communication are vital for defusing conflict and maintaining regional stability.
Saudi Ambassador Binzagr further noted that the Gulf countries and Japan share a longstanding history of cooperation founded on mutual trust and common objectives of stability and prosperity. He stated, “In times such as these, it is precisely these enduring partnerships that allow constructive dialogue to prevail, and that help ensure that wisdom and restraint guide the path toward peace and stability in our region."
Kono underscored the strong bonds and active cooperation between Japan and the GCC, noting that Japan views its ties with the GCC as a strategic partnership.
