After spending nearly a year in prison, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan should call for elections «now». This statement comes amid ongoing political pressure on the mayor of the capital. İmamoğlu, one of the most popular opposition politicians in the country, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on charges of insulting public officials. Despite the legal persecution, he continues to actively advocate for early elections, arguing that it is necessary for the country's stability. «Erdoğan should call for elections now,» İmamoğlu said, «the people of Turkey deserve a fair and free vote.» His supporters believe that the legal case against the mayor is politically motivated and an attempt to eliminate his main rival in the upcoming elections.
