Opposition leader Ozel criticizes the mayor's detainment in Antalya, deeming it as a form of 'political retribution'.
In recent events, Turkey has seen a surge in political arrests, particularly targeting mayors affiliated with the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). The latest arrests, on July 5, 2025, included Muhittin Bocek, the Antalya Metropolitan Mayor, alongside Zeydan Karalar of Adana and Abdurrahman Tutdere of Adiyaman, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation [1][2][5].
These arrests have been met with criticism from the opposition and international observers. CHP member and Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş labelled the arrests as unlawful, while France has expressed deep concern, emphasising the importance of respecting the rights of local elected officials, fair trial rights, freedom of expression, and democratic principles in Turkey [4].
The CHP views these arrests as a politically motivated operation by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, intended to suppress the opposition following the CHP’s strong performance in the 2024 local elections and polling indicating Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as a potential challenger to Erdoğan in future elections [1]. The crackdown also extended to more than 120 people in Izmir, a CHP stronghold, on July 1, including the former mayor Tunç Soyer and other municipal officials, on charges of corruption and misconduct [3].
Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel has condemned Bocek's arrest as political punishment against the opposition and the country. Umit Ozdag, leader of the nationalist Victory Party, shares similar concerns about the application of "enemy criminal law" to opposition figures, and has advised local branches of the Victory Party to avoid events due to concerns over potential provocations [2].
Meanwhile, Turkey aims to rank in the top 10 in global defense exports, with Turkish intelligence reportedly supervising the destruction of weapons belonging to the terrorist group PKK [6].
In other news, a lion escaped and injured a farmer in southern Turkey before being recaptured, while the Victory Party chairman reiterates the importance of restoring Article 10 of the constitution, which guarantees equality before the law [7].
The transfer of Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray is confirmed, but the $88.3M Napoli price remains an obstacle [8]. Indian army deputy chief of staff has accused Turkey of involvement in Pakistan's war, a claim that remains unverified [9].
Umit Ozdag did not specify the nature of the provocation that occurred at the CHP rally in Istanbul, only stating that a provocation did occur but was quickly defused [2]. Ozel and Ozdag, the main opposition leader and the leader of the Victory Party respectively, held a press conference to discuss the situation.
These events highlight the ongoing political tensions in Turkey, with concerns over the treatment of opposition figures and the potential for further arrests ahead of future elections. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-main-opposition-mayor-detained-amid-corruption-probe-2021-07-05/ [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/7/turkey-opposition-leader-calls-on-government-to-stop-arresting-mayors [3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58167391 [4] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/2025-07-05-france-expresses-deep-concern-over-arrests-of-turkish-mayors [5] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-main-opposition-mayor-detained-amid-corruption-probe-2021-07-05 [6] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/07/08/turkey-aims-to-rank-in-the-top-10-in-global-defense-exports/ [7] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/turkey/turkey-aims-to-rank-in-the-top-10-in-global-defense-exports-15851493 [8] https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/osimhen-agrees-galatasaray-transfer-but-napoli-price-remains-an-obstacle/1k55u0d2g17v11qjv4c39q664v [9] https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2025/07/10/indian-army-deputy-chief-of-staff-accuses-turkey-of-involvement-in-pakistan-war/
- The CHP, as well as international observers, have criticized the Turkish government's policy-and-legislation regarding the recent arrests of CHP mayors, labeling them as politically motivated.
- The arrested mayors, including Muhittin Bocek, Zeydan Karalar, and Abdurrahman Tutdere, are not the only opposition figures facing arrest, as over 120 people in Izmir were also targeted on July 1, 2025.
- The ongoing corruption investigation and subsequent arrests of CHP mayors have raised concerns about the freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and democratic principles in Turkiye, particularly in the context of future elections.
