Protests erupted in Istanbul after Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in a dawn raid on his residence. He was formally arrested on Sunday on corruption charges, including running a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and bid-rigging. Although he faced terror-related charges, those were rejected by the court. Imamoglu was transferred to Silivri prison, and 47 others, including a key aide and two district mayors, were also jailed. The Interior Ministry suspended Imamoglu from duty as protests continued outside city hall for a fifth night.
The protests called for the immediate release of Imamoglu, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of targeting him for political reasons. Imamoglu, a key political rival to Erdogan, was expected to be the CHP’s presidential candidate in 2028. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, leading to the arrest of 323 individuals. Erdogan addressed the crisis, urging the CHP not to impose pressure on the judiciary. He criticized the party for inciting violence and lawlessness, vowing to show no tolerance towards those who disrupt civic order.
Imamoglu’s arrest came as the CHP held a primary presidential election to endorse him, with over 1.7 million members participating. The party set up symbolic ballot boxes nationwide for non-party members to express their support for the mayor. Despite his arrest, the vote count had reached around 15 million people, showing widespread support for Imamoglu. He praised the result from prison, stating that the people had sent a clear message to Erdogan. Before his latest detention, Imamoglu had already faced criminal cases that could result in prison sentences and a political ban.
Domestic and international reactions to Imamoglu’s arrest have been critical. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas described the legal system as embarrassing, criticizing the lack of confidentiality in the proceedings. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel likened Imamoglu’s imprisonment to “Italian mafia methods,” stating that he was still on his way to the presidency. The Council of Europe condemned the decision and called for Imamoglu’s immediate release. The German government also criticized the arrest, calling it a setback for democracy in Turkey and highlighting the need for political competition to be conducted without interference from courts and prisons.
The situation in Turkey remains tense as protests continue in support of Ekrem Imamoglu. Thousands have gathered daily to demand his release and to express their opposition to what they see as politically motivated charges. The arrest of the mayor has raised concerns about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Turkey. The outcome of the trial and the impact it will have on Turkish politics and democracy remain uncertain as the country grapples with this latest crisis.
