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As of September 24, 2025, Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), led by Ozgur Ozel, faces intensified legal challenges. Courts are reviewing allegations of vote rigging at the CHP's 2023 congress, threatening to unseat Ozel. The crackdown includes arrests of CHP members, notably Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, fueling protests and political tension ahead of the 2028 elections.
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Turkish authorities have detained opposition figures including Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and youth activist Enes Hocaogullari. Imamoglu faces a potential prison sentence over alleged forgery, while Hocaogullari was released pending trial after criticizing government policies at a Council of Europe meeting. Both cases highlight ongoing tensions between Turkey and Western institutions.
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As of late October 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces new espionage charges linked to alleged ties between his campaign and a businessman arrested for foreign intelligence activities. Imamoglu, detained since March on corruption allegations he denies, was questioned publicly for the first time in seven months amid protests. The opposition CHP views this as part of a broader government crackdown ahead of the 2028 election.
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On October 27, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal for Turkey to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This deal strengthens NATO's southeastern flank and supports Turkey's interim air defense needs until its indigenous KAAN fighter jet becomes operational around 2028. Turkey also seeks to acquire additional jets from Qatar and Oman and aims to rejoin the U.S. F-35 program.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an £8bn agreement with Turkey for 20 Typhoon fighter jets, marking the largest UK fighter jet order in nearly two decades. The deal supports thousands of British jobs, boosts NATO cooperation, and concludes long-running negotiations, with deliveries expected from 2030. Critics highlight human rights concerns in Turkey.
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German Chancellor Merz met with Turkish President Erdogan, emphasizing strategic partnership. The visit follows Turkey's recent purchase of Eurofighter jets from the UK and Germany's support for Turkey's role in a European defense initiative. Disputes over human rights and Gaza remain unresolved.
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Turkey issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide in Gaza. Israel dismisses the charges as a PR stunt. The dispute escalates tensions amid ongoing Gaza conflict, with Turkey seeking a role in postwar security arrangements despite Israeli opposition.
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Turkish opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu has been indicted on charges including running a criminal organization, bribery, and fraud. The indictment, which could lead to over 2,300 years in prison if convicted, is seen by critics as politically motivated. The case has sparked widespread protests and legal scrutiny.
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Turkish courts have acquitted four journalists, including AFP's Yasin Akgul, who were arrested during protests over Istanbul's opposition mayor. The decision highlights ongoing issues with press freedom amid political tensions and protests sparked by opposition figures' arrests.