Imamoglu in the news again: Istanbul’s jailed former mayor facing political-style corruption charges amid Turkey’s crackdown; born 1970. #Turkey #Imamoglu
Opposition lawmakers attempted to block Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akin Gurlek from taking his oath in parliament, leading to physical altercations. Gurlek, appointed by President Erdogan, has presided over high-profile trials against opposition figures. The government insists the judiciary is independent amid ongoing political tensions.
Turkish opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's former mayor, is on trial for corruption charges that critics say are politically motivated. He has been detained for nearly a year amid a judicial crackdown aimed at weakening opposition ahead of upcoming elections. The case could impact Turkey's political future.
European countries are advancing laws to restrict social media access for children, following examples set by Australia, Greece, and Turkey. The measures include age verification, bans for under 15s, and penalties for non-compliance, aiming to protect minors from online harm and addictive content. The legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
As of April 2026, multiple countries including the UK, Turkey, Australia, and others have passed or are considering laws to restrict social media access for children under 15 or 16. The UK government has committed to imposing age restrictions for under-16s following consultations, while Turkey has passed a law banning under-15s from social media accounts. Australia’s ban on under-16s began in December 2025, with other nations planning similar measures.