CHP Chairman Özgür Özel speaks to CNN International on İmamoğlu's arrest: 'Erdoğan has no power left'

Emphasizing that there is no trust in justice in Turkey, Özel said, "Erdoğan has been in power for 22 years. However, he has no power left. The rise and popularity of İmamoğlu are very clear."

Renowned anchor Christiane Amanpour shared the program, in which she hosted Özel to evaluate the recent developments, on her social media account. The highlights from Özel's remarks are as follows:

There is no justice in Turkey, and it is not fair. At the same time, it is not independent. Ekrem İmamoğlu is our presidential candidate. We are the Republic of Turkey founded by Atatürk. Freedom and independence are in our blood.

'İMAMOĞLU'S RISE IS VERY CLEAR'

Erdoğan has been in power for 22 years. However, he no longer has any power. He fell to the position of the second party on March 31. The rise and popularity of İmamoğlu are very clear. I cannot say that the courts in Turkey are independent. Only 18% of the public says there is an independent judiciary. If İmamoğlu were not a candidate, this would not have happened to him.

'WE SUPPORT THE NATO ALLIANCE'

We are working for our country and defending our country's interests. We support our country's integration with the West and a strong alliance with NATO. However, everything that is happening creates an obstacle to this and is dragging Turkey onto an illegal path.

The main motivation of 10 million people in 81 provinces is their belief in justice and democracy. People are defending their rights. Our relations with the US, the EU, or other democratic countries should continue in the form of an open dialogue. Bilateral relations are important, and this is to the benefit of both sides.

After the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, tens of thousands have protested – with President Erdoğan slamming them as “a movement of violence.”

But opposition CHP leader @eczozgurozel tells @CNN that the protesters’ motivation is “to defend democracy and to preserve their rights,”… pic.twitter.com/I2AKJ1D973

— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) March 24, 2025

News Source: 12punto