Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and links to terrorism, according to state media reports on Wednesday. Agencies close to the government reported that warrants were also issued for 100 others. Authorities closed roads and imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations in Istanbul, apparently to prevent protests after the arrest.
Istanbul’s Mayor Detained Before Presidential Nomination
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Imamoğlu, 53, posted a video reacting to the arrest with the caption, “A blow to the will of the nation.”
His aide confirmed his detention and that he is being held at police headquarters, though the aide requested anonymity due to a lack of permission to speak publicly.
Meanwhile, Netblocks reported that access to several social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, had been restricted in Türkiye.
Imamoğlu was expected to be the presidential candidate for the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which is set to hold a primary election on March 23.
Although the next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, early elections are anticipated. In a video message posted earlier on social media, Imamoğlu vowed to continue his fight, accusing the government of undermining the people's will. CHP leader Özgür Özel condemned the arrest as an attempt to block Imamoğlu from becoming the next president, calling it a 'coup.'
The arrest followed a search of Imamoğlu’s home on Tuesday, just a day after Istanbul University annulled his diploma, effectively disqualifying him from running for president.
Turkish law requires presidential candidates to hold a university degree. The university cited alleged irregularities in Imamoğlu’s 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus, a decision widely seen as politically motivated. Imamoğlu criticized the decision as illegal and vowed to challenge it, claiming the university lacks the authority to revoke his diploma.
Imamoğlu also accused Erdoğan’s government of pressuring the judiciary and suggested the diploma annulment reflects the president's fear of losing an election.
Wolfango Piccoli, from the Teneo political risk advisory firm, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the diploma revocation demonstrates Erdoğan’s efforts to undermine fair elections by eliminating his strongest opponent.
Imamoğlu has faced numerous legal challenges in recent years. In 2022, he was convicted of insulting members of Türkiye's Supreme Electoral Council, a case that could lead to a political ban.
He is currently appealing the conviction, and additional lawsuits, including accusations of influencing a judicial investigation, could result in prison sentences and further political restrictions. Imamoğlu first won the Istanbul mayoral election in March 2019, dealing a significant blow to Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had governed the city for 25 years. After allegations of irregularities led to a rerun of the election, Imamoğlu again secured victory. He retained his position in last year’s local elections, with his party gaining ground against Erdoğan’s ruling party.