Turkish authorities have arrested three mayors from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in a continued crackdown on dissent within the country. The arrested officials are from the southern provinces of Mersin, Adana, and Hatay, areas known for their strong CHP support. The government’s actions are seen as part of a broader campaign to neutralize the opposition, which has been a consistent critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s policies and leadership.
The arrests have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international allies, who have expressed concern over the erosion of democratic norms and the rule of law in Turkey. Advocacy groups have called for transparency and accountability in the legal proceedings against the mayors. Meanwhile, the government has maintained that these measures are necessary to maintain national security and public order, citing the need to prevent potential threats against the state.