Turkish politicians face trial after insulting Erdogan

Canan Kaftancioglu heads the branch in Istanbul of the Republican People's Party.

This opposition party won Istanbul's mayoral elections last weekend in front of Erdogan's party candidate.

Katancioglu may face 17 years in prison.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of the tribunal on Friday to support Kaftancioglu.

Its trial was postponed until July 18th.

Istanbul's new mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, said the charges against Kaftancioglu constitute “political interference”.

“It is an attempt to limit rights and freedoms. I'll always stand by her”, he said.

Catancioglu will be tried for several tweets, reportedly dating up to six years ago.

It is charged with “targeting” of President Erdogan and the Turkish state, as well as “spread of terrorist propaganda”.