Police have arrested Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and main rival of President Erdogan in the next Turkish presidential election. 

Prosecutors have accused İmamoğlu of corruption, aiding a terrorist group, and labeled him as a “criminal organisation leader suspect”. As part of the investigation process one hundred politicians, journalists and businessmen were detained.

“The will of the people cannot be silenced through intimidation or unlawful acts,” Imamoglu said after his arrest. “I stand resolute, entrusting myself not only to the 16 million residents of Istanbul but to the 86 million citizens of Türkiye and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide.”

On March 23rd, Mr. İmamoğlu was to become the Republican People’s Party (CPH) candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Several polls suggested he could beat Erdogan if the election was held today. 

Right after the arrest, the government banned all public gatherings in Istanbul for four days, presumably, trying to prevent protests. 

In defiance of the order, thousands of people took to the streets and gathered around Istanbul University and City Hall. They have being chanting “Erdogan, dictator” and “İmamoğlu you’re not alone”. There were multiple reports of clashes between protesters and police. 

İmamoğlu’s party, CPH, named Erdogan’s actions “a coup against our next president.”

A day before the arrest Istanbul University invalidated Mr. İmamoğlu’s diploma, a qualification which is mandatory to participate in presidential elections. 

Photo: Ekrem İmamoğlu by Hilmi Hacaloğlu found HERE and is public domain. This image has not been modified.