UPDATE “: Özgür Özel Declares Trustee Appointment in Istanbul No Longer a Possibility

The presidential primary for Turkey’s main opposition party turned into a general election rehearsal. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has announced that nearly 15 million ballots have been counted so far in today's primary — just 5 days after candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained.  CHP has only 1.7 million registered voters.

Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), issued his first statement following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, claiming that the mayor was detained solely for defeating President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in elections.

“We are facing two conspiracies. The court rejected his arrest on terrorism charges but decided to detain him on another case. This is significant because it eliminates the possibility of appointing a trustee to override Istanbul’s elected leadership,” Özel stated.

He emphasized that legal and public opposition will continue pushing for İmamoğlu’s swift release.

Özel also mentioned reports indicating that İmamoğlu would be taken to Silivri Prison and assured that the opposition is closely monitoring the situation.

“We invite everyone who cast their vote to gather in Saraçhane. We expect that today’s mass demonstration there will continue,” he added.