Turkish police arrest Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main rival

Istanbul – Turkish police arrested a popular opposition leader and main competitor of Istanbul Mayor – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with several other prominent figures, on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the alleged corruption and terror links. This is a dramatic escalation amid the ongoing crackdown on opposition and Türkiye’s opposition voices.

The state-run Anadolu news agency said prosecutors issued detention orders for Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 100 others. Among the detained people are Murat Ongun, the close assistant of Imamoglu.

Authorities have also closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in a clear effort to prevent post-arrest protests.

Despite the ban, live comments on ANKA News Agency’s X account appear to show protesters from the University of Istanbul to protesters who are armed police. A sign read: “The university will not comply.” The demonstration did not immediately report violence.

Private TV network NTV said two mayors in Istanbul were detained.

Critics point out that the crackdown was a huge loss caused by Erdogan in local elections last year and with the increasing calls for national elections. Government officials insist that the court acts independently and refuse to argue that legal proceedings against opposition figures are politically motivated.

“We are facing great tyranny, but I hope you know I’m not discouraged,” Imamoglu said in a video posted on social media earlier that day.

Germany criticized the arrest on Wednesday, which Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer described as a “serious setback in democracy.”

Internet Regulatory Network said on Wednesday that its on-site metrics indicate that Türkiye is restricting access to X, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok and other social media platforms.

Erdogan, a populist who speaks to opponents about an increasing dictatorship, has led Turkey as prime minister or president for more than 20 years and is now the longest-serving leader in the history of the Republic of Turkey. His current tenure continues until 2028, but he said he wants to serve longer – with the help of a friendly council, he can achieve that.

Imamulu was arrested when police searched his house, but it is not clear whether anything was confiscated. His wife Dilek Imamoglu told the private television network that police arrived at their residence before dawn and the mayor was taken away around 7:30 a.m.

The main index of the Istanbul Stock Exchange fell 7% due to the news of the arrest, triggering a temporary cessation of trading to prevent panic sales and stabilize the market. The Turkish Lira lost 7% of its value, violating the dollar.

News Agency Anadolu said Ekrem Imamoglu and some others were suspected of ransomware, money laundering and violations, and other crimes.

Imamoglu also suspected of assisting the prohibited PKK or PKK through alleged alliances with the Kurdish umbrella group in Istanbul municipal elections. The PKK has carried out decades of rebellion in Türkiye and has been designated as terrorist groups by Ankara, Washington and other allies.

Earlier this month, amid a US praise move PKK announces unilateral ceasefire In the case of the Turkish government, the group’s long-term war leaders called to put down their weapons altogether.

“The coup against our next president”

A day ago, the University of Istanbul invalidated Imamogru’s diploma, effectively preventing him from participating in the next presidential election – a university degree is a necessary condition for participating in the election under Turkish law.

Mayor’s Party – The main opposition Republican Party (CHP) will hold a primary election on Sunday, where it is widely believed that it will be elected as its candidate in future presidential elections. The national vote is currently scheduled to be held in 2028, but the vote is expected to be proposed.

Despite all arrests on Wednesday, Satellite Health Democratic Party Chairman Ozgur Ozel told the opposition that it will mainly go as planned. Ozel called Imamoglu’s detention “a coup against our next president.”

In a social media post written in English, Imamogru said: “The will of the people who are silent by intimidation or illegal acts cannot be done. I am unwavering to delegate myself not only to the 16 million residents of Istanbul, but also to the 86 million citizens of Turkey.”

Türkiye’s pro-Kurdian equality and the Democratic Party condemned the detention and called for the immediate release of all detained persons.

Dawn’s house and his arrest was a “shame that will not be forgotten for centuries. This action of faith in justice is through the judiciary’s redesign of politics,” Tulay Hatimogullari, a colleague of the party, wrote on X.

When he was arrested, the mayor’s aide Ongun called for support on X, although he seemed unaware at the time that the mayor was also detained.

“They think they can silence us and stop us from defending and supporting Ekrem imamoglu,” Ongun said. “I delegate Ekrem imamoglu to the Turkish country. Protect, pay attention and support him. They can’t defeat the country.”

Police also detained a well-known investigative journalist, Ismail Saymaz, for inquiry, according to the opposition’s unanimous Hawke TV station.

In the invalid diploma from Imamoglu, the university invoked a 1990 violation of transfer from a private university in Northern Cyprus to its School of Business Administration. Imamoglu said he will challenge the decision.

Imamoglu faces multiple lawsuits, including allegations of judicial experts trying to influence municipalities led by opposition. These cases could lead to imprisonment and political bans.

He also appealed to the 2022 belief that the Turkish Supreme Election Commission was insulting, a case that could lead to a political ban.

Imamoglu was elected as mayor of Türkiye’s largest city in March 2019, a historic blow to Erdogan and the president’s Justice and Development Party, which has controlled Istanbul for 25 years. The president’s party worked to invalidate municipal elections, resulting in 16 million people in the city, alleging violations.

A few months later, the challenge led to a repeat of the election, and Imamoglu won. Last year, the mayor retained his seat after local elections, during which his party made significant gains to Erdogan’s council.