New Espionage Charges Heighten Tensions for Istanbul's Jailed Mayor

Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was hit with fresh espionage charges on Monday, escalating the judicial challenges confronting him as a formidable adversary to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The charges are connected to an inquiry into alleged ties between Imamoglu's campaign and a businessman accused of conducting intelligence on behalf of foreign governments, Anadolu Agency reported.

Former campaign manager Necati Ozkan and journalist Merdan Yanardag were also implicated in the case. Imamoglu, already behind bars on corruption allegations, is accused of illegally transferring Istanbul residents' personal data in a bid to secure international funding for his political campaign. Imamoglu dismissed the accusations as absurd and politically motivated.

Supporters rallied outside Istanbul's courthouse as Imamoglu was questioned, marking his first appearance outside prison in months. Critics argue his arrest, and that of other CHP mayors, reflects a sustained government crackdown on the opposition, despite official claims that investigations focus solely on corruption.