Protests have erupted in Istanbul following the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on charges of corruption and ties to terrorism. İmamoğlu was taken into custody early Wednesday after a raid on his residence, sparking five consecutive nights of demonstrations outside Istanbul’s city hall. Protesters are accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of using the charges to eliminate political opposition.
İmamoğlu, a key political rival of Erdoğan and a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was set to be the party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 election. His arrest came just before the CHP’s primary election.
Tensions escalated when riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds after demonstrators threw flares and stones at security forces. The Turkish Interior Ministry reported that 323 people were arrested during the protests, vowing a zero-tolerance policy against actions threatening public order.
A court formally charged İmamoğlu with leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and illegally recording personal data. However, terrorism-related charges were dismissed, though İmamoğlu remains under investigation for allegedly aiding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Following his arrest, İmamoğlu was transferred to Silivri Prison alongside 47 others, including key aides and two district mayors from Istanbul. The Interior Ministry has suspended İmamoğlu from office, with a new mayor to be selected through an internal vote within the CHP-controlled municipal council.
President Erdoğan addressed the situation during an iftar dinner, accusing the CHP of inciting violence and challenging the judiciary’s independence. He criticized the party’s leadership and stated that no one is above the law. Erdoğan also promised to maintain order and prevent political chaos.
Public support for İmamoğlu remains strong. Over 1.7 million CHP members and supporters participated in a symbolic primary vote, expressing solidarity with the mayor. İmamoğlu responded from prison, declaring that the public would “deliver a strong message” to Erdoğan’s administration in the upcoming elections.
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İmamoğlu’s legal troubles are not new. He previously faced charges for insulting the Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey and is appealing a conviction from 2022. His political future is also under threat after Istanbul University revoked his degree due to alleged irregularities, which could disqualify him from running for president under Turkish law.
International observers have raised concerns over the fairness of the legal proceedings. The European Union and human rights organizations have criticized the Turkish government’s handling of the case, warning that it could undermine democratic principles in the country.
The CHP has vowed to fight back through legal and political means. Party leader Özgür Özel condemned the charges as politically motivated and called for nationwide demonstrations to support İmamoğlu.
As tensions continue, İmamoğlu’s arrest has become a focal point in Turkey’s political landscape, highlighting growing divisions between the government and opposition forces.
This article is originally published on fr.euronews.com
