Turkey
Erdogan a “dictator”, Imamoglu becoming “martyr” as regime shatters last pieces of Turkey’s democracy
Officials step up warnings as street protests take place for sixth night. Berlin tells Ankara an EU aspirant must adhere to rule of law.
Turkish opposition calls for boycott of media ignoring mass ‘free Imamoglu’ protests
Regulator has issued threats to channels showing live broadcasts of huge demonstrations. Photographers have been targeted for detention, says NGO.
S&P sees risk of lira instability in Turkey amid mass protests
Latest figures indicate central bank has sold towards 10% of its FX reserves in currency fight.
Early polls inevitable says Turkey’s opposition after 13.5mn non-party members vote “in solidarity” to make jailed Imamoglu candidate
Challenger to Erdogan messages from prison that he’s “very happy” so many people took ballot box opportunity.
ISTANBUL BLOG: Make no mistake, if this regime feels threatened it is ready to kill
So far, however, the response mounted by the opposition to the jailing of its challenger Imamoglu to Erdogan has not engendered fear.
Imamoglu tumult on financial markets yet to pose threat to Turkey’s ruling regime
Heavy anticipation builds for the Monday morning market opening.
“I will never bow,” says jailed Imamoglu ahead of vote set to endorse him as candidate who can topple Erdogan
Interrogation papers show him rejecting “unimaginable accusations and slanders”.
Istanbul mayor Imamoglu formally arrested, dismissed and transferred to infamous Silivri prison
With municipal HQ crowded with protesters, regime may be waiting for right moment to seize the building and city authority.
Zero pressure from US as Imamoglu protesters warn Erdogan snuffing out last remnants of Turkey’s democracy
Lack of White House comment on events shows Trump moving from values-based to transactional foreign policy, while also dismantling democratic structures at home.
Turkey’s detention of Imamoglu “depressing” says German chancellor Scholz
“A very, very bad sign” for Turkish democracy, he adds. Erdogan, meanwhile, breaks his silence on the plight of his chief political rival.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Imamoglu’s construction company also ‘detained’
Investigators appear to have set out to sell the idea of a web of corruption and misdeeds to the public as they attempt to justify taking Erdogan’s main rival into custody.
Turkey signals panic with emergency rate hike
With markets shaken by detention of Erdogan rival Imamoglu, the central bank has made a surprise move. The trouble is the system is flooded with excess lira liquidity.
ISTANBUL BLOG: Thousands protest against Imamoglu detention, but there’s no sense of critical mass
Cocksure authorities even assure public they will pick up those who tweet-protest from their homes.
International responses to Turkish authorities’ move against Imamoglu slow in coming
Neither Europe nor US appear to have much to say about the detention of the man seen as Erdogan's potential nemesis.
Markets discuss whether Imamoglu detention endangers Turkey’s attempt at economic turnaround
Big sell-off seen in local currency bond curve.
Thousands of students defy authorities to protest on Istanbul University campus against Imamoglu arrest
Reports of angry crowds in metro stations chanting anti-government slogans. Big crowd rallies outside city hall.
Turkey in undeclared state of emergency following detention of Erdogan rival Imamoglu
Lira drops 14% as markets take fright. Barring an exceptional pushback from opposition, however, on past performance, country will soon go back to “normal”.
Erdogan challenger Imamoglu detained in early-morning raid
Days before expected nomination as presidential candidate, Istanbul mayor accused of being a "criminal organisation leader suspect".
Main challenger to Erdogan’s power dealt potential knockout blow by Turkish authorities’ voiding of degree
Ekrem Imamoglu, who has called on Turkey’s president to give him an “honest fight”, says those behind “illegal” move will stand accountable before history and justice.
COMMENT: Rail and logistics firms bet on Middle Corridor as key Eurasian route
As the Trans-Caspian International Transport route grows in importance, rail operators and other companies have committed to boosting traffic along the route.