Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest has ignited nationwide protests, marking Türkiye’s most intense unrest in a decade. His detention, linked to a corruption probe, has fueled accusations of political persecution and triggered clashes between demonstrators and riot police.
Legal Battle and Political Backlash
A Turkish court formally arrested Imamoglu on graft charges, while dismissing allegations of “aiding a terror organization.” His legal team announced plans to appeal, calling the case politically motivated. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) condemned the arrest as a “political coup d’état” and vowed to continue the fight.
His arrest coincided with the CHP primary election, where voters were expected to confirm him as the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential race. Many believe Imamoglu is the only serious challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, intensifying the political stakes of the case.
Nationwide Protests and Police Crackdowns
Imamoglu’s detention sparked demonstrations in Istanbul, quickly spreading to over 55 provinces. Riot police responded with force, using rubber bullets, tear gas, and percussion grenades to disperse crowds. In Istanbul, thousands of protesters clashed with security forces, with some seeking refuge inside City Hall.
In Ankara, police used water cannons to break up protests, while in Izmir, officers blocked students marching toward the ruling AKP party’s offices. Protesters held signs reading, “Dictators are cowards!” and “AKP, you will not silence us!” Despite a ban on demonstrations in Türkiye’s largest cities, unrest continues to grow.
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Mayor’s Message and Economic Impact
Before his arrest, Imamoglu denied all charges, calling the accusations baseless. He warned that the legal actions against him would damage Türkiye’s reputation and economic stability. His statement, released by City Hall, emphasized the erosion of public trust in the justice system.
Financial markets reacted sharply. The Turkish lira weakened, and the benchmark BIST 100 index fell nearly eight percent on Friday, reflecting investor concerns over political instability.
Rising Political Tensions
Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel visited Imamoglu in detention, reporting that the mayor remained optimistic despite the circumstances. Imamoglu reportedly viewed the public response as an awakening for Türkiye. His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, called on citizens to vote in the CHP primary, framing it as a stand for democracy and justice.
As the protests continue, the political future of Türkiye remains uncertain. Imamoglu’s case is now a focal point in the country’s deepening divide between government supporters and opposition forces. Many see his arrest as an attempt to sideline a key rival ahead of future elections.
The situation remains tense, with authorities warning of further crackdowns. However, Imamoglu’s supporters insist they will not be silenced, vowing to keep fighting for justice and democracy.
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