Turkish Journalist Fatih Altayli Detained Over Alleged Threats Against Erdogan

Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli was detained by authorities following a YouTube video in which he referenced a poll showing widespread public opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's potential lifetime rule. Altayli cited historical instances where Ottoman sultans were overthrown, which prosecutors interpreted as a threat against Erdogan, leading to a criminal investigation under laws protecting the head of state. During his broadcast, Altayli also criticized the government's judicial practices, highlighting politically motivated prosecutions against opposition figures and supporting jailed activists like Osman Kavala. His detention is part of a broader crackdown on dissent, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other opposition members, a move condemned by opposition parties as politically motivated, while the government insists the judiciary remains independent. Altayli denied threatening the president during questioning, but his case has intensified concerns over freedom of expression and political repression in Turkey. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between Erdogan's administration and critics amid efforts to consolidate power.