In Istanbul, tensions are escalating following the recent arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent adversary of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Early Sunday, prosecutors sought Imamoglu’s formal detention on accusations linked to corruption and associations with terrorism. A court is now deliberating whether to charge and hold the popular political figure pending trial.
Imamoglu’s detainment has fueled unrest, leading to widespread protests throughout Turkey as citizens express their dissent. Many view his possible jailing as a political maneuver to sideline him from contesting in the 2028 presidential election. Turkish officials, however, maintain that the judiciary operates independently and refute claims of any political motivations.
On Saturday, the mayor was subject to a five-hour police interrogation regarding alleged complicity with the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as reported by local media. This came after a separate four-hour questioning session a day earlier focused on corruption allegations, charges which he consistently denies. Alongside approximately 90 others who faced similar detentions, Imamoglu was later escorted to a courthouse for further prosecutorial questioning.
Barricades blocked routes to the courthouse, while nearby metro stations were shut down. Despite heavy police presence armed with water cannons, hundreds congregated outside, chanting demands for justice. The series of protests are proving to be Turkey’s most significant in over a decade. Although largely peaceful, some protesters near a major Istanbul square clashed with police, who countered with pepper spray and, as claimed by protesters, rubber bullets.
Further unrest ensued in Ankara, where water cannons and tear gas were employed to disperse crowds. The Interior Minister reported that 323 individuals were detained following the Saturday night demonstrations. He declared, “There will be no tolerance for those who disrupt societal peace and security.”
Imamoglu’s arrest resulted from a raid on his home, part of a sweep targeting individuals implicated in financial misconduct and connections to Kurdish militants. This sweep also included the arrest of other political figures, such as two district mayors. In response to the growing unrest, Istanbul’s governor extended a ban on gatherings until March 26 and restricted vehicle access believed to facilitate illegal activities.
During a recent address, Erdogan accused the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) of misusing their platform to defend corrupt city officials. He also accused them of creating division and disturbing public order. Imamoglu’s arrest comes at a pivotal moment as he was anticipated to be the CHP’s presidential nominee in an upcoming primary. The party pledged to proceed with this internal election involving around 1.5 million delegates.
The CHP also called for a symbolic vote across Turkey in solidarity with Imamoglu. Prior to his courthouse appearance, the mayor took to social media encouraging the public to protect the voting process, stating, “Don’t forget: they are very afraid of you and your democratic right to vote.” Imprisoned Imamoglu has called his arrest a “coup” and criticized the administration for manipulating the legal system while harming the economic climate further.
