Further warrants issued in Turkey's crackdown on Istanbul municipality

Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 22 individuals linked to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) in a significant escalation of a crackdown against its leadership. This follows the arrest of mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a political rival of President Erdoğan, on alleged corruption charges. Since then, over 50 people have been detained on various charges including bribery. Opposition officials claim this initiative aims to incapacitate the IBB and prevent its efficient operation, emphasizing the political motivations behind the current government actions.

The Turkish authorities seem to be focusing on dismantling the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, especially targeting its leadership, in a move against potential political threats.

Opposition figures, such as CHP Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır, criticize the arrests as a calculated attempt to undermine governance at the IBB for political reasons.

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