Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu during a large-scale crackdown on opposition figures. Authorities also detained around 100 politicians, business leaders, and municipal officials, accusing them of corruption and links to terrorist groups. The raid occurred at İmamoğlu’s home in Istanbul, where officers took him into custody over allegations of leading a criminal network.
Before his arrest, İmamoğlu released a video addressing the public as police surrounded his residence. “This attack violates the people’s will,” he said, pledging loyalty to Istanbul’s 16 million residents and Turkey’s 86 million citizens despite government pressure.
Government Claims of Corruption and Terrorism Links
The Istanbul public prosecutor charged İmamoğlu with extortion, bribery, and fraud, alleging he led a criminal network. Officials claim İmamoğlu and six other city officials cooperated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey, the U.S., and the EU label as a terrorist group. The government also alleges İmamoğlu worked with left-wing groups before local elections, indirectly aiding the PKK.
His arrest came just days before he was expected to become the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)’s presidential candidate for the 2028 election. Analysts predict early elections due to rising political tensions. İmamoğlu is currently appealing a political ban imposed in 2022 for allegedly insulting election officials.
Public Protests and Political Repercussions
After his arrest, authorities imposed a four-day protest ban in Istanbul and shut down key roads and metro stations. Despite these restrictions, students at Istanbul University marched, clashing with riot police. Labor unions urged members to protest near the police station where İmamoğlu is held.
Internet access has been restricted nationwide, with watchdog group Netblocks reporting disruptions on platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
CHP leader Özgür Özel called İmamoğlu’s arrest “a coup attempt,” accusing President Erdoğan’s government of targeting a strong political rival. Hours before the arrest, Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu’s diploma, a move seen as an attempt to disqualify him from running for president. İmamoğlu condemned the decision as “legally groundless.”
The detention of İmamoğlu and others raises ongoing concerns about democracy and political freedom in Turkey, as President Erdoğan’s administration continues facing criticism for suppressing opposition voices.