March 19, 2025, 1:15 PM | News ID: 85782946
Turkish authorities have arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu just days before his anticipated nomination as the presidential candidate for Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The detention, reported by state media as part of investigations into corruption and terrorism, has sparked widespread controversy and heightened political tensions in the country.
He says the nation will give the necessary response to those who set up conspiracies and traps, spread lies, violate the rights of others and usurp the will of the people.
“First of all, I entrust myself to God, then to our nation,” says İmamoğlu.
In a video shared on X on Wednesday, Imamoglu, a prominent rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, condemned the arrest. “I am saddened to say a handful of people, trying to steal the will of the people, have implicated our dear police and security forces in this wrongful act,” he told his supporters. The mayor, who addressed crowds in Istanbul as recently as January 31, 2025, now faces serious allegations that could derail his political ambitions.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Turkish prosecutors have accused Imamoglu and 100 associates—including his press adviser, Murat Ongun—of involvement in a criminal organization, as well as charges of extortion, bribery, and aggravated fraud. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office also alleges that Imamoglu has provided support to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), both designated as terrorist groups by Turkey.
The CHP swiftly denounced the detention, labeling it “a coup against our next president” ahead of the party’s primary election, where Imamoglu was widely expected to secure the presidential candidacy. In response to the arrest, Istanbul’s governorship banned demonstrations in the city until March 23, citing the need to “maintain public order,” according to CNN.
The political upheaval has triggered an economic fallout, with the Turkish lira plummeting to a record low against the U.S. dollar. Reports indicate the currency lost over 5% of its value against the dollar, euro, pound, and gold, reflecting growing instability.