Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent figure from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), on corruption and terror-related charges. This move has sparked widespread condemnation from his party, with members labeling it a political crackdown aimed at sidelining President Erdogan’s main rival ahead of elections.
Investigations against Imamoglu include allegations of corruption, tender manipulation, and supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. Prosecutors accuse him and other suspects of awarding fraudulent municipal contracts and providing material support to the PKK, which has been linked to decades of violence in the country.
Imamoglu, who was expected to be officially announced as the CHP’s presidential candidate soon, vowed to fight the charges. He shared a defiant message, stating, “I will not give up. I will stand tall against these injustices.” Meanwhile, Istanbul University annulled his degree, which could potentially disqualify him from running in future elections.
Adding to the tension, the Istanbul governor’s office has banned all public protests for four days as opposition leaders decry what they see as authoritarian measures. Erdogan’s government, however, maintains that these actions are part of anti-corruption and counterterrorism efforts. With elections on the horizon, the political climate in Turkey continues to intensify.
