The recent arrests of Turkish DJ and Istanbul’s Culture Department leader DJ Mabbas, along with over 100 others, were part of a controversial investigation into Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted a raid and accused İmamoğlu of various crimes, including “establishing and managing a criminal organization” and “taking bribes,” as reported by BBC News Turkey.
Notable figures like Murat Abbas, who is also known as DJ Mabbas, were among those held in custody alongside the Mayor. The situation escalated after Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu’s degree, triggering widespread political turmoil in Turkey. Allegations of corruption and terrorism further added tension to the ongoing situation in the country.
Following protests against the government, which entered its fifth night, Sky News reported over 1,000 arrests linked to the unrest. Ekrem İmamoğlu, considered a strong opposition candidate against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is seen as a target in what critics describe as a “coup attempt” by Erdogan’s party. The main opposition party in Turkey, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), labeled the recent proceedings as a “political coup,” emphasizing the lack of justice in the verdict.
Observers are concerned that Erdogan may appoint government trustees to replace the elected management of both the municipality and the CHP. Despite the challenges he faced, Ekrem İmamoğlu made significant contributions to the cultural sector in Turkey, especially during the pandemic. Initiatives like supporting struggling musicians during lockdown showcased the municipality’s commitment to engaging with the music industry directly, a first in Turkey’s local government history. Murat Abbas, a key figure in these efforts, played a crucial role in ensuring DJs were included in the cultural programming, leveraging his experience as the former General Manager of Zorlu Performing Arts Centre in Istanbul
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