Turkish prosecutors have formally requested Imamoglu’s arrest on charges of corruption, rigging public tenders, bribery, and aiding a terrorist organization—allegations İmamoğlu and his supporters strongly deny. A court is set to decide whether İmamoğlu, who denies all allegations, will be jailed pending trial.
The case has ignited the largest wave of protests in Turkey in over a decade, with thousands demonstrating across major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Protesters have clashed with riot police, who have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse crowds. The Interior Ministry has confirmed the detention of at least 323 people as of Saturday night.
Sweeping Charges and Mass Detentions
İmamoğlu was detained in a pre-dawn raid on March 19 along with 90 other suspects, including Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, İBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, and Reform Institute Director Mehmet Ali Çalışkan. The arrests are part of a wide-ranging investigation into what prosecutors allege is a corruption network within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), with alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
According to the indictment by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, İmamoğlu is accused of collaborating with PKK-affiliated individuals through a political alliance known as the “Urban Consensus” (Kent Uzlaşısı), which allegedly allowed several municipal council members with PKK ties to be placed on CHP election lists. The prosecution also claims İmamoğlu had contact with a fugitive PKK regional leader named Azad Barış.
A controversial photo from 2014, allegedly showing one suspect posing with their daughter in the PKK’s Qandil camp, has been included in the case file as supporting evidence. In addition, İmamoğlu faces charges of establishing a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and manipulating public tenders during his tenure as mayor.
Court Appearance and Protest Crackdown
İmamoğlu was brought to the Çağlayan Courthouse on March 22 after nearly ten hours of interrogation spread over two days. As he was being transferred, police blocked surrounding roads, shut down metro stations, and deployed hundreds of officers and water cannon trucks to prevent public gatherings. Still, hundreds gathered in front of the courthouse chanting, “Rights, law, justice!”
Similar demonstrations have taken place across the country. In Istanbul, some protesters attempted to breach police barricades, prompting a violent response from law enforcement. In Ankara, demonstrators were dispersed with tear gas and water cannons. Civil society organizations and opposition leaders have condemned the government’s actions as a crackdown on democratic dissent.
Opposition Rallies Behind İmamoğlu
The arrest comes just days before the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was scheduled to hold a presidential primary in which İmamoğlu was widely expected to be nominated as the party’s candidate for the 2028 elections. Despite his detention, CHP leader Özgür Özel has announced the primary will proceed on Sunday, with over 1.5 million delegates eligible to vote. In a symbolic act of defiance, the party is also organizing an unofficial vote in public squares across Turkey.
In a statement shared on social media just before his court appearance, İmamoğlu urged citizens to “safeguard the ballot boxes” and described the legal proceedings against him as a “coup.” He accused the Erdoğan government of weaponizing the judiciary to suppress political rivals and deepen authoritarian control.
Government Denies Political Motivation
President Erdoğan and senior officials have denied allegations that the arrest is politically motivated. In a speech on Saturday, Erdoğan accused CHP leadership of “turning the party into a shelter for municipal robbers blinded by money.” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya added that “no one will be allowed to threaten public order or provoke chaos.”
Meanwhile, the Istanbul Governor’s Office has extended the ban on all demonstrations until March 26 and has imposed restrictions on vehicle movements to prevent mass mobilizations.
Democracy at a Crossroads
The unfolding events have drawn concern from international observers and human rights groups. Many view İmamoğlu’s arrest as part of a broader effort by Erdoğan to consolidate power and eliminate key opposition figures ahead of future elections. The case could mark a critical turning point in Turkey’s democratic trajectory, with the outcome likely to influence the political landscape for years to come.
As the court prepares to rule on whether İmamoğlu will be jailed pending trial, tensions remain high in Istanbul and beyond. Whether this marks the end of İmamoğlu’s political journey or the beginning of a broader democratic movement remains to be seen.
