Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested Amid Political Turmoil
On Wednesday, Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to state-run media. This arrest is part of an investigation focused on allegations of corruption and connections to terrorism. The Anadolu Agency, the state-run outlet reporting on the case, also indicated that prosecutors have issued warrants for over 100 additional individuals linked to the inquiry.
In a bid to pre-empt any public outcry, authorities implemented road closures around Istanbul and imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations in the city. İmamoğlu responded to his detention through a video posted online, declaring, "A blow to the will of the nation."
Currently 53 years old, İmamoğlu has been taken to a police headquarters, as confirmed by a press aide who requested to remain anonymous due to restrictions on media communication. Concurrently, the internet observatory Netblocks reported that Turkey has limited access to various social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
The main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is scheduled for a primary election on March 23, where İmamoğlu was anticipated to be the presidential candidate. Although the next presidential election is set for 2028, early elections may be on the horizon.
In his video message, İmamoğlu illustrated the gravity of the situation, stating, "We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged." Accusing the government of undermining the people's will, he emphasized his determination to fight back against the oppressive measures.
Özgür Özel, the chairman of the CHP, condemned İmamoğlu's arrest, labeling it as a coup attempt. He proclaimed, "Currently, there is a power in place to prevent the nation from determining the next president. We are facing an attempted coup against our next president."
İmamoğlu's arrest came soon after his home was searched on Tuesday, a development that followed the controversial invalidation of his university diploma. This decision effectively disqualifies him from participating in future presidential elections, as Turkish law mandates a university degree as a prerequisite for candidacy. Istanbul University cited alleged irregularities related to İmamoğlu's 1990 transfer from a private university in Northern Cyprus as the basis for the diploma's nullification. İmamoğlu, however, has contended that this decision is illegal and bears political motivations.
He asserted, "The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near. The march of our people, who are thirsty for justice, law, and democracy, cannot be stopped," as he expressed his intention to challenge the university's ruling.
In his statements, İmamoğlu conveyed his resilience, asserting, "What will I do next? I will keep running like a lion. There’s no stepping back. I'll run even harder."
Wolfango Piccoli, a political risk advisor at Teneo, opined that the revocation of İmamoğlu's diploma shows Erdoğan's acknowledgment that he cannot secure electoral victory against such a formidable opponent. He conveyed how this decision is reflective not just of electoral manipulation but also a broader control over the narratives and realities dictated by the state apparatus.
İmamoğlu's political journey has been fraught with challenges. In 2022, he was convicted for insulting members of Türkiye's Supreme Electoral Council, facing potential political bans from his conviction, from which he is currently appealing. He is also embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including accusations of trying to influence a judicial expert investigating municipalities run by the opposition, which could lead to further legal repercussions.
After being elected as mayor of Turkey's largest city in March 2019, İmamoğlu dealt a significant blow to Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had maintained control over Istanbul for a quarter-century. The party's efforts to annul the election results led to a repeat vote a few months later, which İmamoğlu won again. He successfully retained his position following local elections last year, where his party made substantial gains against Erdoğan’s governing body.
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