Jerusalem Post on İmamoğlu's detention: A 'new world order' commentary: 'A mindset emerging everywhere'

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The detention of İmamoğlu was protested in various European cities. The Jerusalem Post, one of Israel's leading newspapers, featured an analysis evaluating the events in Turkey within the context of a 'changing international order.' The Tel Aviv-based newspaper examined the effects of political developments in Turkey on global balances.

The analysis focused on the question of why Europe avoids entering into a direct conflict with Ankara. The newspaper addressed Turkey's role in regional and international politics in this context. The US and the European Union have maintained a cautious stance regarding the developments in Turkey. The detention of İmamoğlu has resonated widely in political and human rights circles in Europe.

AKP HAS DECIDED TO REMOVE İMAMOĞLU

According to the Jerusalem Post, it has been observed that the EU avoids entering into a direct conflict in its relations with Turkey. According to the analysis, Turkey's geographical location and regional influence have required Europe to pursue a balanced policy in its relations with Ankara.

Pointing out that this situation also shapes the international reflections of internal political developments in Turkey, the Jerusalem Post noted the following in its analysis:

''In Turkey, only a very small part of society is in a position where they will not face the risk of being arrested for insulting political leaders or being imprisoned on terrorism charges when they criticize the ruling party.

Authorities have arrested IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). It was not the first time rumors had surfaced that (İmamoğlu) could be arrested. But now, AKP officials seem to have decided to remove him from the political playing field.

Prosecutors have accused him of corruption and aiding a terrorist group. Ankara frequently accuses members of the political opposition of being terrorists, and based on these allegations, removes numerous opposition mayors and local administrators from office.

The AKP does not have an unshakable position in power because it can still only secure a majority of the votes by a narrow margin in elections. However, (the AKP) has been able to establish increasing control over every area of society, from the police to the courts, and from the media to universities.''

The Economist featured both Trump and Erdoğan on the cover of its latest issue. The headline ''Don's New World Order'' was used on the cover.

EUROPE LOOKS THE OTHER WAY

''Previously, accusations had also been directed at foreigners visiting or living in Turkey. Ankara's arrest of an American pastor in 2016 and releasing him only after pressure from the Trump administration was famous.

Normally, Ankara's drift toward authoritarianism is met with appeasement efforts in the West. Ankara has even tried to use migrants against Europe to obtain profitable deals. This has led many Western countries to look the other way instead of criticizing Ankara. European countries are experiencing so many problems that they think they cannot tolerate a new problem with a NATO member.

Turkey will use the courts to give the impression that the arrest of the mayor and more than 100 suspects is legal. Even if he is eventually released, (İmamoğlu's) challenge to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may be blocked. The ruling party in Ankara has been in power for 20 years and wants it to stay that way.''

ADOPTED BY THE US AND ISRAEL

''The AKP is stronger today than ever before. It has taken over most of the media in Turkey and weakened the old secular control over various institutions. The 'war against the deep state' has become a slogan adopted in the US and Israel.

Ankara's approach to combating secular and leftist organizations is not something happening only in Turkey; it is a worldwide mindset that is part of a new world order emerging in more authoritarian states.

The detention of the Istanbul Mayor will be closely watched by the West and the region.

He is not the only opposition member currently imprisoned. Selahattin Demirtaş, the leader of another opposition party, was imprisoned ten years ago. Other leaders of various parties have received long sentences for various violations. In January, prosecutors arrested Zafer Party leader Ümit Özdağ, accusing him of inciting anti-immigrant protests.

In fact, no one is safe from the AKP's prosecutions.''

News Source: 12punto