Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Arrested, Sparks Protests and Political Turmoil in Turkey

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday has ignited a wave of protests and political controversy in Turkey, according to Al Jazeera.

Imamoglu, a prominent rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained as part of investigations into alleged corruption and terror links, according to Turkish authorities.

The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors issued detention warrants for Imamoglu and approximately 100 others. Roads around Istanbul were closed by authorities in an attempt to prevent widespread demonstrations.

Despite these efforts, approximately 100 people gathered at the police station where Imamoglu was being held, chanting anti-government slogans. Local media also reported that students at Istanbul University broke through police barricades during a demonstration, prompting police to deploy tear gas.

In a video posted online, Imamoglu denounced his arrest:

“We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged.”

He accused the government of “usurping the will” of the people.

Imamoglu’s election as mayor of Turkey’s largest city in March 2019 was a significant blow to Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party), ending their 25-year control over Istanbul. While the AK Party initially sought to overturn the election results, Imamoglu secured a decisive victory in a repeat election several months later.

He retained his mayoral seat in last year’s local elections, during which his Republican People’s Party (CHP) made gains against the AK Party. However, the AK Party remained the dominant force nationwide, leading to internal criticism and strategic reassessment within the CHP.

Adding to the political firestorm, a university in Istanbul invalidated Imamoglu’s diploma on Tuesday, potentially disqualifying him from future presidential races, as a university degree is a legal requirement for candidacy. Imamoglu has vowed to challenge the decision.

The CHP, the main opposition party, was scheduled to hold a primary on Sunday, where Imamoglu was widely expected to be nominated as its candidate for future elections. The vote is now unlikely to proceed.

Turkey’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, although early elections remain a possibility.