Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Sunday over corruption allegations. His detention has triggered widespread protests across Turkey, marking one of the most significant waves of public unrest in recent years.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities arrested Imamoglu following a raid on his residence earlier in the week. He faces charges of running a criminal organisation, bribery, extortion, bid-rigging, and illegal data collection. A separate request to charge him with terrorism-related offences was dismissed. His supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated to remove him as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential race, while government officials insist the judiciary is acting independently.
Mass Protests and Crackdown
Following Imamoglu’s arrest, mass protests erupted in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Riot police used water cannons, tear gas, and plastic bullets to disperse demonstrators, while some protesters retaliated with stones and fireworks. Despite bans on public gatherings, opposition groups remain defiant.
The arrest coincided with the Republican People’s Party (CHP) holding a symbolic primary election to endorse Imamoglu as its presidential candidate. In response, the party encouraged people to cast ‘solidarity votes’ in his support. “This is not just about CHP anymore. It is about democracy in Turkey,” said a voter in Istanbul.
Imamoglu urged his supporters to remain strong, stating, “We will defeat Erdogan with righteousness, courage, humility, and determination.” His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, echoed his defiance, saying, “We are not afraid, and we will never give up.”
International Condemnation & Economic Impact
International human rights organisations and the Council of Europe have condemned Imamoglu’s arrest, demanding his immediate release. Analysts see it as Erdogan’s attempt to eliminate his strongest political opponent.
The case has also shaken financial markets. The Turkish lira depreciated sharply, and the country’s BIST 100 index fell by nearly 8% on Friday. Before his arrest, Imamoglu warned that the legal case was harming Turkey’s international reputation and economic stability.
Growing Political Pressure
Imamoglu has faced several legal challenges in recent years. In 2022, he was convicted for allegedly insulting Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council, and a university recently nullified his degree over alleged irregularities, effectively blocking his presidential bid.
Since winning Istanbul’s mayoral race in 2019, Imamoglu has posed a serious challenge to Erdogan. His landslide victory in a rerun election further cemented his popularity, dealing a blow to the ruling AKP.
Despite government warnings against protests, demonstrations continue to grow, with opposition leaders calling Imamoglu’s arrest a political coup against democracy. As Turkey’s political crisis deepens, all eyes are on how Erdogan will respond and whether the opposition can maintain momentum against increasing government crackdowns.
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