Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu returned for a second day of police questioning on Saturday, facing terror-related allegations. Authorities interrogated him for five hours, focusing on accusations that he aided the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
A day earlier, İmamoğlu spent four hours under questioning for alleged corruption linked to his role as mayor. He denied all accusations during both sessions.
İmamoğlu’s arrest followed a dawn raid on Wednesday, just days before his expected nomination as the CHP’s presidential candidate. Security forces blocked nearby roads and deployed large numbers of police officers around the courthouse ahead of his arrival.
Protests Intensify Nationwide as İmamoğlu Remains in Custody
The arrest sparked nationwide protests, with many calling it a politically motivated move to weaken opposition before the 2028 election. In Istanbul, demonstrators clashed with riot police near the historic aqueduct on Friday.
Police responded with pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets as protesters hurled flares, stones, and other objects. Authorities stated they would not tolerate acts that threaten public peace or promote chaos. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 343 protesters were detained across the country on Friday night.
Despite mounting unrest, the government denies any political interference, claiming Turkey’s judiciary acts independently. Officials maintain that legal measures against opposition figures follow proper procedures, not political motivations.
Public Outcry Grows Over Timing and Political Implications
İmamoğlu’s status as a major rival to President Erdoğan has fueled speculation over the timing and intent of his arrest. Many citizens and analysts see the detention as a strategic effort to undermine his presidential ambitions early on.
The protests have steadily grown in size and intensity since his initial arrest. Opposition supporters argue that the charges aim to discredit İmamoğlu and weaken public trust in opposition leaders.
Despite ongoing tension, İmamoğlu remains defiant and continues to challenge the accusations against him. His supporters have vowed to keep protesting and to defend democratic rights and political fairness in Turkey.