A Turkish court has jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, sparking outrage and protests. Imamoglu, who is President Erdogan’s main political rival, denies the accusations and has called for nationwide demonstrations against what he describes as a “coup” against democracy. The jailing of Imamoglu and several other officials marks a continuation of a crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey, with several CHP members under arrest.
Supporters of Imamoglu have gathered outside the courthouse and in major cities, protesting the court’s decision. The government denies that the investigations are politically motivated and insists that the courts are independent. The jailing of Imamoglu has led to market instability, with the Turkish lira and other financial assets experiencing heavy declines. Analysts expect more selling pressure in the wake of Imamoglu’s arrest.
The court accused Imamoglu of “establishing and leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, embezzlement, unlawfully recording personal data, and rigging public tenders in connection with a financial investigation.” The CHP has opened party polling stations for non-members to cast “solidarity votes” for Imamoglu, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate. CHP supporters are rallying behind Imamoglu, with some predicting that he could eventually defeat Erdogan and become the president.
Imamoglu is also facing terrorism charges, but the court did not formally arrest him on those charges at the same time. A future ruling to jail him pending trial on terrorism-related charges could lead to the government appointing a trustee to run Istanbul. However, the CHP has vowed to appeal against the ruling and elect someone to work as an acting mayor in Imamoglu’s absence. The mayor himself has vowed to defeat Erdogan, and has criticized those behind the corruption investigation.
The crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey comes amid growing protests and civil disobedience, with demonstrators clashing with police in several cities. The court’s decision to jail Imamoglu has further fueled opposition against Erdogan’s government, with many viewing it as an attack on democracy. Imamoglu’s popularity both within the CHP and beyond has been evident in the public response to his arrest, with thousands showing their support for the jailed mayor. The political turmoil in Turkey is likely to continue as Erdogan’s opponents mobilize against his government.
