The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the opposition’s recent attempts to incite an economic boycott against pro-government businesses, following the arrest of the city’s mayor.

The prosecutor’s office determined that the opposition’s calls to target certain businesses constituted “hatred and discrimination” and “incitement to hatred and hostility.” Authorities noted that such divisive rhetoric, spread across traditional and social media, was a direct attempt to disrupt economic activity and sow discord among Turkish citizens.

The investigation will be merged with ongoing probes into incidents of physical and verbal violence against businesses perceived as supporting the government. Analysts have criticized the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) for engaging in tactics that threaten social stability and economic livelihoods.

The opposition’s agitation follows the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a member of the CHP and a vocal opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges, which the government has insisted are the result of an independent judicial process. However, opposition leaders have attempted to politicize the case, staging mass protests and spreading baseless claims of political interference.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, who has spearheaded rallies attended by thousands, escalated tensions by urging supporters to boycott more than a dozen companies that advertise with pro-government media. Critics argue that this reckless move aims to pressure businesses into silence and punish them for exercising their commercial freedom.

While the CHP claims to stand for democracy, its attempt to use economic coercion against businesses reveals a troubling double standard. By attacking private enterprises simply for choosing their advertising platforms, the opposition has demonstrated its willingness to undermine economic freedoms and deepen divisions within Turkish society.

Authorities have vowed to take legal action against those who incite social unrest through economic sabotage. As tensions continue, the Turkish government remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and protecting businesses from politically motivated threats. (ILKHA)