19 Mar, 14:10

Turkish opposition derails parliamentary session to protest Istanbul mayor's detention

Ali Mahir Basarir, deputy chairman of the RPP parliamentary faction, accused the country's government of breaking the law and disregarding the will of the people

ISTANBUL, March 19. /TASS/. Members of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (RPP) did not allow the parliament's general assembly to take place, gathering at the rostrum to protest the detention of their party peer, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, leading to the postponement of the session, Halk TV reported.

Ali Mahir Basarir, deputy chairman of the RPP parliamentary faction, accused the country's government of breaking the law and disregarding the will of the people. "You have trampled on democracy and the law, you are ignoring the will of 86 million people. Imamoglu may be your nightmare, but he represents hope for 86 million citizens," the MP stated.

ANP leader Ozgur Ozel, who traveled to Istanbul to support Imamoglu, earlier called on all of the party's regional branches to hold rallies on Wednesday to protest the detention of the mayor. He accused Turkish authorities of "attempting to stage a coup" and seeking to prevent the March 23 primaries for the ANP, where Imamoglu is expected to be nominated as the opposition's presidential candidate.

Istanbul authorities have banned rallies and demonstrations in the city until March 23, as well as any marches and press statements. According to the Sozcu TV channel, police used force against Istanbul University students who staged a protest. Several people were injured, but the exact number has not been specified.

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