ISTANBUL (AFP) – In a significant crackdown on Turkey’s opposition, Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday by Turkish police. His arrest is part of investigations alleging corruption and connections to terrorism, pointing towards an intensification of the Turkish government’s efforts to suppress opposition voices.
According to the state-operated Anadolu Agency, about 100 arrest warrants were issued, including one for Imamoglu, marking a notable escalation in Turkey’s political landscape. Police detained Imamoglu early in the morning following a raid on his residence. His close aide, Murat Ongun, and two district mayors were among those apprehended.
This development occurs against a backdrop of mounting criticism following significant electoral setbacks suffered by Erdogan’s ruling party in local elections last year, amidst calls for early national elections. Government representatives maintain that the judiciary acts independently and deny any political motivations behind these legal actions against political adversaries.
Imamoglu expressed his determination on social media, saying, “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,” earlier in the day.
In anticipation of public unrest, authorities implemented a ban on demonstrations and closed several roads in Istanbul for four days, aiming to stifle protests. Nevertheless, people gathered outside Istanbul’s police headquarters, brandishing posters and banners in support of Imamoglu. Demonstrators chanted and raised their fists as riot police secured the area.
Later, thousands joined a rally outside Istanbul’s city hall, with Ozgur Ozel, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), accusing the government of orchestrating a “coup.” He stated, “Let’s call it what it is: a coup attempt. Today, the will of the people is being seized and usurped through a judicial coup targeting the people of Istanbul.”
In response to these accusations, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc asserted that the arrests were not connected to the government, remarking, “Linking investigations and cases initiated by the judiciary to our President is, at best, presumptuous and inappropriate.”
Erdogan, who has led Turkey for more than two decades, either as prime minister or president, has expressed interest in extending his leadership beyond his current term, which concludes in 2028. The news triggered a 7% drop in the Istanbul Stock Exchange’s main index, leading to a temporary trading halt to avoid market panic. The Turkish lira also fell by 3.5% against the dollar.
Anadolu Agency reported suspicions against Imamoglu involving various financial irregularities and alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and several other nations. Furthermore, authorities were directed by the Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office to seize a construction company partly owned by Imamoglu, based on reports from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.
In recent developments, Istanbul University nullified Imamoglu’s diploma, effectively barring him from the presidential race since a university degree is essential for candidacy under Turkish law. Despite the arrests, the mayor’s party plans to proceed with a scheduled primary, aiming to position Imamoglu as their candidate for future presidential elections.
Through his lawyer, Imamoglu conveyed that his spirits remain high, encouraging supporters to remain hopeful. “We will emerge stronger from this process,” his lawyer quoted him saying.
The main opposition Republican People’s Party, alongside supporters, gathered in Ankara to protest, disrupting parliamentary procedures. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained. Co-leader Tulay Hatimogullari criticized the judicial actions as a historical disgrace and an attempt to manipulate politics.
Internationally, several voices expressed concern. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock labeled the arrests as detrimental to Turkish democracy, while EU officials urged Turkey to uphold democratic values. Amnesty International characterized the detention as part of a broader crackdown.
As the mayor’s political challenges mount, allied voices continue to urge public support. Ongun, detained alongside Imamoglu, appealed for backing, emphasizing unity in the face of adversity. Additionally, journalist Ismail Saymaz faced questioning by authorities, indicating a broader scope of investigations.
Meanwhile, internet access advocacy group netblocks.org reported that access to various social media platforms in Turkey had been restricted. Imamoglu is currently appealing against a 2022 conviction for alleged insults aimed at Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. His challenges reflect ongoing legal battles that threaten his political future following his historic 2019 mayoral election win over Erdogan’s long-time party stronghold in Istanbul.