For the second night in a row, thousands of people gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall to protest the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Many see his arrest as a politically motivated move to remove a strong rival for Turkey’s upcoming presidential election.
İmamoğlu was detained early on Wednesday morning. He is facing corruption and terror-related charges. Supporters claim these accusations are false and part of a larger political effort to silence him.
The Arrest and Charges
İmamoğlu was arrested after police raided his home at dawn. The charges include using his mayoral position for financial gain. Authorities also accuse him of forming an alliance with Kurdish groups, including the PKK, a banned terrorist organization. The PKK has been in a long conflict with the Turkish government.
İmamoğlu’s supporters argue that these charges are part of an attempt to block him from running in the next presidential race. They believe the arrest is meant to weaken him politically.
Government Targets Supporters on Social Media
After İmamoğlu’s arrest, the government began cracking down on those who protested online. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that authorities detained dozens of people for posting about İmamoğlu on social media.
The government identified 261 accounts, including 62 that were operated from outside Turkey. These accounts were accused of spreading hate speech and inciting crime. At least 37 people have been arrested, and more are expected to be detained.
What Does the Future Hold for İmamoğlu?
İmamoğlu faces serious consequences if he is found guilty of the charges. Experts warn that if he is convicted, he could be removed from office. The Turkish government might appoint a new mayor instead. This is a move that has been used before when officials are seen as threats to the ruling party.
Despite the legal troubles, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), İmamoğlu’s political party, has said it will continue with the primary election for its presidential candidate. The election is set for Sunday. İmamoğlu was widely expected to be nominated, making his arrest even more controversial.
Erdoğan’s Party Denies Political Influence
Critics argue that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is using the legal system to get rid of a rival. İmamoğlu’s victory in Istanbul in 2019 was a major blow to Erdoğan’s party, which had controlled the city for 25 years. Since then, İmamoğlu has become a strong challenger to Erdoğan’s power.
Government officials have denied any political interference. They insist that the judiciary is independent and that the arrest was based on legal reasons. AK Parti spokesperson Omer Celik rejected claims that the arrest was part of a political plot, urging the public to respect the judicial process.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Diplomatic Setbacks
İmamoğlu is already facing other legal challenges. He continues to appeal a 2022 conviction for insulting Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. If the conviction stands, he could be banned from politics, which would prevent him from running for president.
In addition, a university recently annulled İmamoğlu’s diploma, citing problems with his 1990 academic transfer. If this decision is upheld, İmamoğlu would be disqualified from running for president, as Turkish law requires candidates to have a university degree.
İmamoğlu’s Historic Victory in Istanbul
İmamoğlu’s election as mayor of Istanbul was a major event in Turkish politics. In 2019, he defeated Erdoğan’s party, which had controlled Istanbul for 25 years. His victory was seen as a huge achievement for the opposition.
After Erdoğan’s party contested the results, a second election was held. İmamoğlu won again, this time by an even larger margin. This solidified his reputation as a powerful political figure and made him a potential challenger in the presidential race.
A Divided Country and Growing Tensions
İmamoğlu’s arrest has intensified political tensions in Turkey. Many of his supporters see the arrest as an attack on democracy. On the other hand, Erdoğan’s supporters argue that the legal system is simply doing its job.
With protests continuing and the legal process still unfolding, the situation in Turkey remains tense. İmamoğlu’s future in politics is uncertain, and his arrest has led to more division in an already polarized country.
As the story develops, it remains to be seen how İmamoğlu’s supporters and the Turkish government will respond. His arrest could have significant consequences for the country’s political landscape, especially with the upcoming elections.