ANKARA, March 22 — Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has denied terrorism charges brought against him, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Saturday, after he was detained by Turkiye on Wednesday for alleged corruption and terrorism.
"I see today during my interrogation that I and my colleagues are faced with unimaginable accusations and slanders," he said in his defence at a counter-terrorism police interrogation.
İmamoğlu is a key opposition figure and potential challenger to longtime President Tayyip Erdoğan.
"These slanders will bounce back after hitting the walls in the heart of our nation
"It is imperative that our country be rid of this mentality as soon as possible, which thinks that it is entitled to do everything to protect (its) seat," İmamoğlu said, in a veiled reference to Erdoğan.
He is expected to appear in court later on Saturday, when the decision to either release him or jail him pending trial, will be made.
— Reuters
