Turkish police detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu early Wednesday morning as part of a widening crackdown on opposition figures. İmamoğlu, seen as the main political challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was taken from his home in a pre-dawn raid, sparking outrage among opposition leaders and raising concerns over Turkey’s political climate.
The İstanbul public prosecutor’s office cited charges of bribery and extortion, accusing İmamoğlu of leading a “criminal organization.” Authorities stated that 100 individuals had been taken into custody.
The move appears linked to a 2023 investigation into alleged “tender rigging” by İmamoğlu. However, reports from local media, including state-run Anadolu Agency, suggest his detention is also connected to a separate probe into alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). According to these reports, he is one of seven individuals detained in the case.
Political Tensions Rise
CHP chair Özgür Özel condemned the move, calling it “an attempted coup against our next president.” The party has been pushing for a snap election, arguing that İmamoğlu’s nomination should compel parliament to take action.
The Turkish lira reacted sharply to the news, plunging nearly 10% against the U.S. dollar, while the BIST 100 stock index dropped almost 7% in early trading, signaling market uncertainty.
İmamoğlu’s wife, Dilek İmamoğlu, revealed that police arrived at their home just after their pre-dawn meal during Ramadan. He was reportedly taken into custody at approximately 7:30 a.m. and is currently being held at Istanbul’s central police station.
Social Media Restrictions and Protest Ban
Following İmamoğlu’s detention, Istanbul’s governor—who is appointed by Erdoğan—imposed a four-day ban on all public demonstrations. Meanwhile, global internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that access to social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and YouTube, was restricted in Turkey.
The arrest was accompanied by warrants for 99 additional individuals, further intensifying concerns about an escalating crackdown on opposition voices. In recent weeks, Erdoğan’s government has pursued legal actions against politicians, journalists, academics, and even an astrologer who commented on potential election outcomes.
Degree Revocation Sparks Controversy
The timing of İmamoğlu’s arrest is particularly striking, as it comes just a day after Istanbul University revoked his higher education degree. The move, which could legally disqualify him from running for president, has been widely criticized by opposition figures. İmamoğlu has vowed to appeal the decision.
Having won re-election as Istanbul mayor by an 11-point margin last year, İmamoğlu remains one of Turkey’s most popular politicians. His ability to defeat Erdoğan’s ruling party in a key municipal race underscored his influence and solidified his role as a leading opposition figure.
Growing Concerns Over Turkey’s Political Landscape
Erdoğan, who has been in power for over two decades, has faced accusations of increasing authoritarianism, particularly since surviving a failed coup attempt in 2016. Critics argue that his government is using the judicial system to sideline political rivals ahead of the next presidential election.
İmamoğlu has been the subject of multiple legal investigations, many centered around his public speeches. In 2022, he was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison and banned from political activity for allegedly “insulting” election officials. That verdict remains under appeal.
