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Turkish authorities detained Istanbul's Bayrampasa district mayor, Hasan Mutlu, and 47 officials on Saturday, amid a broader crackdown on the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The detentions stem from corruption allegations, including extortion and bribery, according to the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office. Mutlu denies the charges, calling them politically motivated. This follows numerous arrests of CHP mayors in recent months, including a prominent mayoral figure seen as a key rival to President Erdogan. The CHP alleges a government effort to weaken the opposition, a claim the government denies.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.