Jailed Istanbul Mayor Is Ready to Back Others Against Erdogan

Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed mayor of Istanbul, has expressed his readiness to support other candidates who are willing to challenge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in future elections. In an exclusive interview, Imamoglu stated that he still hopes to run for president, but he anticipates a prolonged legal battle. Imamoglu was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison and given a political ban, a move widely seen as an attempt to prevent him from running for office. Despite this, he remains defiant, vowing to continue his fight against Erdogan's government. The mayor's comments come at a critical time, as Turkey prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023. Imamoglu's potential support for other opposition candidates could be a significant factor in the outcome of the elections, which are expected to be closely contested. The article highlights the ongoing political tensions in Turkey and the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge Erdogan's authoritarian rule.