Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, faced questioning on Saturday over claims that he supported the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an outlawed group in Turkey. This marked the second day of police questioning for Imamoglu, who has become the center of controversy in recent days.
Authorities allege Ekrem Imamoglu supported the PKK, prompting the investigation. On Friday, they questioned him for four hours in relation to a separate corruption case. His arrest, which occurred during a dawn raid on Wednesday, shocked both his supporters and critics, especially since he was expected to secure his party’s presidential nomination just days before.
The Arrest and Interrogations
Imamoglu’s arrest on Wednesday caught the attention of many. The police surrounded the courthouse with riot officers and blocked nearby roads. Imamoglu spent several hours being questioned on both Friday and Saturday.
The mayor denied all accusations. He firmly insisted that he had done nothing wrong and worked for the public’s benefit. He also rejected claims of supporting the PKK. “I have not committed any illegal actions,” he said. Imamoglu’s legal team is challenging the charges, with his allies arguing that the case is politically motivated.
Mass Protests Across Turkey
Imamoglu’s arrest quickly sparked protests in several Turkish cities. His supporters believe authorities arrested him to block his candidacy for the 2028 presidential race. They argue that the ruling government seeks to silence one of its biggest opponents, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Protests erupted on Friday night, with hundreds gathering in Istanbul and other cities. Demonstrators clashed with police near Istanbul’s historic aqueduct. Riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowds. Despite this, the protests only grew in size. Protesters vowed to continue their efforts to demand justice and greater accountability from the government.
The Government Responds to Protests
The Turkish government has strongly denied any political motive behind Imamoglu’s arrest. Officials insist that the legal process followed standard judicial procedures, arguing that the investigation focuses on legal violations, not politics.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that police detained 343 protesters during the demonstrations. He warned that authorities would not tolerate actions that disturb public peace or incite violence. Officials are determined to prevent what they see as “provocations” and unrest.
However, the arrests and police responses have only fueled more protests. Many believe the government is attempting to stifle opposition ahead of the 2028 election. They view Imamoglu’s case as part of a broader effort to silence critics and weaken the opposition.
The Political Fallout of Imamoglu’s Arrest
The timing of Imamoglu’s arrest has raised significant doubts. Many believe authorities took action to prevent him from running for president in 2028. Imamoglu’s strong following, especially in Istanbul, poses a serious challenge to Erdogan’s rule. Imamoglu’s landslide victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election demonstrated his widespread popularity, and he has since emerged as a leading figure in the opposition.
His arrest, followed by violent protests, has only amplified his presence as a potential presidential candidate. The incident also highlights his growing influence as an outspoken critic of the current government.
The Government’s Stance on the Issue
Despite widespread criticism, the Turkish government insists the judicial system remains independent and that the legal process is fair. Officials maintain that the case is about following proper legal procedures and not driven by political motives.
Imamoglu’s allies within the Republican People’s Party (CHP) argue that his arrest signals a larger campaign to suppress opposition and prevent a free election in 2028. They view the arrest as an attempt to undermine democracy and freedom of speech in Turkey.
What’s Next for Turkey?
Imamoglu’s arrest and the subsequent protests have brought Turkey’s political future into sharp focus. As the situation continues to evolve, many question whether the government will ease its crackdown or intensify its efforts. The protests have shown that many people are deeply dissatisfied with the current political climate.
As Turkey approaches the 2028 presidential race, questions about fairness and democratic freedoms grow more urgent. Imamoglu’s supporters hope the protests will lead to greater transparency and accountability. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for Turkey’s political landscape and its commitment to democracy.