Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 47 opposition officials, 28 detained so far

Turkish authorities have issued warrants for the arrest of several opposition officials in Istanbul and raided opposition municipalities, state media reported today.

The Anatolia Agency and NTV television reported that 47 arrest warrants had been issued and that 28 people had been detained in four separate investigations of alleged corruption so far.

Police raided municipal buildings, which prompted the main opposition Republican People’s Party (PE) to call an emergency meeting in Istanbul.

The action is part of a wider campaign against JCP, whose member is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been in prison since March, British media recall.

Immoglu, the main political rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a potential presidential candidate, is accused of corruption and co -operation with a terrorist organization, charges that he categorically denies.

His arrest sparked protests in the country and international condemnation.

Since then, dozens of PE members have been arrested, as well as officials from several municipalities led by the party.

Among the latest detainees are former PE lawmakers, Shark Erdogdu, the mayors of several Istanbul areas, as well as the heads of the municipalities of Seyhan and Jayhan in the southern province of Adana.

Turkish authorities argue that the judiciary is independent and that investigations are being conducted legally.

However, these moves for the opposition, Western governments and human rights organizations are politically motivated and aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the election.

Polls show that public support for Immoglu has increased after his arrest.