The mayor of Istanbul denounces « immoral and baseless accusations », new massive support rallies – Liberation
Supporters of the mayor of Istanbul, arrested for « corruption » and « terrorism », swept through tens of thousands on Saturday before the fourth consecutive evening in order to support the elected opposition, who denounced charges « Immoral and baseless ». AFP journalists were prevented from accessing the surroundings of the building by a human tide waving flags and signs expressing their anger: « Dictators are cowards! »,, « The AKP (the ruling party, editor’s note) will not be silent ».
The mayor of Opposition of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu arrived on Saturday evening at the courthouse to be presented to a prosecutor, Four days after his arrest aroused A wave of protest through Turkey. The councilor arrived in the early evening at the same time as 89 co-accused, aboard fourteen vans, found AFP journalists. Despite the access restrictions, at least a thousand people, according to AFP, had hurried near the Stambouliote court of Caglayan, protected by a very important police device.
Arrested Wednesday at dawn at his home, Ekrem Imamoglu, 53, had already been heard for five hours earlier on Saturday by police for accusations of « Support for a terrorist organization »after being the day before for suspicions of « corruption ».
After his summons to the police, the municipality of the Turkish metropolis shared a declaration by its mayor. « The immoral and baseless accusations which are addressed to me, ranging from reports made to the calendar of investigations, aim to undermine my reputation and my credibility »said Ekrem Imamoglu, according to this declaration. “Those who are behind this strategy will have to answer for their actions before the courts. I will file a complaint against people and institutions involved »he warned.
« Not only does this procedure affect the international reputation of Turkey, but it also breaks confidence in justice and in the economy »he added. The star index of the Istanbul Stock Exchange dropped more than 16.5 % this week, an unprecedented fall since 2008 according to analysts.
The mayor says « Feel the strength of millions of people » who support him: « Whatever happens, I will fight for justice and the truth by legal means until the end of my life »he said.
