Ekrem İmamoğlu, the İstanbul mayoral candidate from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), will be summoned by an Ordu prosecutor for questioning after he had a dispute with the governor of the city, the Artı Gerçek news website reported on Monday.
İmamoğlu, who was touring northeastern Black Sea provinces as part of his campaign for a repeat İstanbul mayoral election slated for June 23, had an argument in Ordu with Governor Seddar Yavuz, who reportedly ordered that he not be allowed into the airport’s VIP lounge for his departure flight.
The incident turned into a heated exchange of words between İmamoğlu, his entourage, airport officials and the police.
Governor Yavuz later filed complaints with a prosecutor’s office, claiming that İmamoğlu and CHP Deputy Chairman Seyit Torun had insulted him.
The prosecutor’s office is reportedly looking at airport security footage and other video footage filmed by mobile phones. Airport employees will testify as witnesses.
İmamoğlu’s initial victory in the İstanbul mayoral election on March 31 was canceled upon objections raised by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
He held a series of rallies in the northeastern Black Sea provinces, where many citizens of İstanbul have their roots.