Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu greets supporters during a rally ahead of the local elections in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 30, 2024. (Photo by Reuters)
Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been arrested as part of an investigation into what Ankara claims to be corruption and terror links, just days before he was expected to be selected as a presidential candidate.
The state-run Anadolu Agency said Imamoglu’s arrest took place on Wednesday and that prosecutors also issued warrants for 100 other people, including Turkish politicians, journalists and businessmen.
The news agency cited prosecutors as saying that Imamoglu — from the secular Republican People's Party (CHP) — is accused of being a "criminal organization leader suspect.”
Istanbul governor's office imposed four days of restrictions in the city by closing several roads and banning demonstrations in an apparent effort to preserve "public order" and stop "possible provocative actions" following the arrest.
The arrest comes as the CHP was scheduled to hold a primary election on March 23, at which Imamoglu was expected to be chosen as its presidential candidate, with the next presidential vote being due for 2028 while early elections are likely.
“The will of the people cannot be silenced,” Imamoglu wrote on social media.
The 53-year-old also vowed in a video posted online to "stand resolute" for the people of Turkey "and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide.”
"I stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms," he added.
Accusing the Turkish government of “usurping the will” of the people, Imamoglu said, “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged.”
CHP’s chairman, Özgür Özel, denounced Imamoglu’s detention as 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.”
Netblocks internet observatory said Turkey had restricted access to multiple social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
Meanwhile, Istanbul University nullified Imamoglu’s diploma, citing alleged irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its faculty of business administration. The decision, if upheld, would prevent him from running in presidential elections.
The Turkish lira plunged to an all-time low against the dollar on Wednesday after the powerful opposition mayor was taken into custody.
In 2022, Imamoglu was sentenced to more than two-and-a-half years in prison for insulting public officials in a speech, a conviction he has been appealing against.
