Turkey detains erdogan’s rival Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption, terror charges |
Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, belonging to the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), on corruption and terrorism-related charges, sparking outrage from the opposition party.
Imamoglu, was arrested Wednesday, just days before his party was expected to officially name him as their challenger to Erdogan in future elections.
The CHP condemned the move, calling it “a coup attempt against our next president.”
Multiple investigations targeting Imamoglu
The Istanbul prosecutor’s office has launched two separate investigations against Imamoglu, accusing him of:
- Corruption and bribery
- Leading a criminal organization
- Tender rigging in municipal contracts
- Aiding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is classified as a terrorist group
According to prosecutors, the first investigation involves 100 suspects, including journalists and businesspeople, in connection with fraudulent tenders awarded by the Istanbul Municipality.
The second case accuses Imamoglu and six others of providing material support to the PKK terror group. In its 40-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly.
Imamoglu vows to fight charges
Following his detention, Imamoglu posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), saying he would not back down in the face of pressure.
“I will not give up. I will continue to stand tall against these injustices,” he said.
In a separate development, Istanbul University annulled Imamoglu’s degree just one day before his detention. If upheld, this move could disqualify him from running in Turkiye’s presidential elections, raising further concerns among opposition leaders who claim it part of a coordinated effort to sideline Erdogan’s strongest challenger.
The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, but analysts believe Erdogan may call for an early vote if he decides to seek another term. Under Turkiye’s constitution, Erdogan can only run again if parliament calls an early election before his current term expires.
Authorities ban protests in Istanbul
Amid rising tensions, the Istanbul governor’s office has imposed a four-day ban on all protests and public gatherings across the city.
The CHP and other opposition leaders have condemned the crackdown, calling it an authoritarian move to suppress political opponents ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, Erdogan’s government has defended the arrests, insisting they are part of ongoing anti-corruption and counterterrorism efforts.
