Turkish police on Wednesday apprehended Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and significant opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amidst an inquiry into alleged corruption and terror connections.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, prosecutors ordered detention warrants for the Mayor and approximately 100 others. The arrests included Imamoglu’s close associate, Murat Ongun.
Officials sealed several roads in Istanbul and prohibited demonstrations for four days, seemingly to prevent public protests following the arrest.
In a video on X, Imamoglu revealed, “Hundreds of police officers have arrived at my door. I entrust myself to the people.” “The police are raiding my home, knocking on my door… I trust my nation,” he added.
In a later post, he promised to “stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms.”
Analysts noted that the suppression follows the ruling party’s significant electoral setbacks in March local elections, amid increasing demands for early national polls. Government representatives maintain judicial independence and deny political motivations behind legal actions against opposition members, as reported by the Associated Press.
The arrest occurred during a search of Imamoglu’s residence, though immediate details about any seizures remained unclear.
This comes a day after a university nullified Imamoglu’s diploma, effectively barring the popular opposition figure from future presidential candidacy. Turkish law requires candidates to possess a university degree.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) had scheduled a primary for Sunday, where Imamoglu was anticipated to secure the presidential candidacy. While Turkey’s next presidential election is set for 2028, earlier polls appear likely.
However, Wednesday’s arrests made the primary’s occurrence unlikely. “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,” Imamoglu stated in a social media video message. He accused the government of “usurping the will” of the people.
CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel labelled Imamoglu’s detention a “coup.” “Currently, there is a power in place to prevent the nation from determining the next president,” he said. “We are facing an attempted coup against our next president.”
During his arrest, Ongun posted on X about his detention, unaware that the mayor was also being arrested. “They think they can silence us and prevent us from defending and supporting Ekrem Imamoglu,” Ongun said. “I entrust Ekrem Imamoglu to the Turkish nation. Protect, watch over and support him. They cannot be defeat the nation.”
Additionally, police detained prominent investigative journalist Ismail Saymaz for questioning, according to Halk TV. Internet-access advocacy group netblocks.org reported restricted access to popular social media platforms in Turkey.
Amid the detention, the opposition leader faces several legal challenges, including allegations of attempting to influence a judicial expert investigating opposition-led municipalities, potentially resulting in imprisonment and political restrictions.
Imamoglu is contesting a 2022 conviction for insulting Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council members, which could lead to political disqualification.
His 2019 election as mayor represented a significant setback for Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party’s 25-year control of Istanbul. The party challenged the 16-million-strong city’s election results, citing irregularities.
This resulted in a repeat election, which Imamoglu won again. He maintained his position after last year’s local elections, where his party achieved substantial gains against Erdogan’s governing party.