In an alarming turn of events, Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, has been detained in a dawn operation that has stirred the political waters in Turkey. Known for his rising popularity and for having successfully challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party on three separate occasions in local elections, Imamoglu now finds himself at the center of a controversy that many see as an attempt to weaken a potential adversary for the upcoming presidential elections. This development coincides with the Turkish government’s increasing control over dissent, which has drawn criticism from both national and international observers.
In 2019, Imamoglu, a 53-year-old entrepreneur, and former district mayor gained prominence when he was nominated to run Istanbul, a city integral to Turkey’s economy. Initially a relative unknown, his charisma and strategy won over voters and led to a historic defeat of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, which had been in power in Istanbul for 25 years. This victory was momentous, especially considering Erdogan’s political ascent began in the same city.
However, Imamoglu’s triumph was short-lived, as an initial victory soon faced annulment due to alleged voting irregularities, leading to another election. He secured an even more significant victory in the re-run, reinforcing his popularity and political acumen. Last year, the CHP, led by Imamoglu, made substantial electoral gains in the local elections amid economic strife, strengthening their standing.
Despite this, Imamoglu now faces serious allegations. Authorities have accused him of corruption and alleged ties with terror organizations, particularly the PKK, which is deemed a terrorist group by Turkey and Western allies. Over 100 individuals are implicated in these allegations alongside Imamoglu, which opposition parties label as politically driven attacks aimed at halting his momentum toward presidential candidacy. Still, the Turkish justice minister insists the judiciary operates independently.
Imamoglu is challenged even further by recent developments affecting his credentials. Istanbul University has invalidated his diploma due to supposed discrepancies in his academic records, potentially disqualifying him from presidential candidacy as Turkish law mandates a university degree for such positions. Imamoglu plans to contest this decision legally.
This isn’t the first legal hurdle for Imamoglu, who has previously faced numerous accusations, including trying to influence judicial proceedings and making threats against a prosecutor. Additionally, he was convicted in 2022 for verbally attacking Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council after the annulment of the 2019 elections, a conviction he is appealing.
Erdogan’s government has not only targeted Imamoglu. In recent months, there has been a surge in actions against political adversaries and activists. High-profile figures, such as journalists, opposition members, and business leaders, have been arrested or faced legal challenges for criticizing government policies. Notably, Umit Ozdag, a far-right party leader, was detained for allegedly inciting ethnic discord through social media.
Moreover, prominent figures like Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala remain imprisoned on charges widely condemned by the European Court of Human Rights, raising serious concerns about Turkey’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
