Popular Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested on Erdogan's Orders

In a controversial move, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent political rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been arrested on allegations of corruption and ties to terrorism. The arrest, reported by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, comes amid a broader crackdown that saw arrest warrants issued for 100 other individuals, including İmamoğlu’s close aide Murat Ongun and his election campaign manager Necati Özkan.

Authorities have closed several roads in Istanbul and imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations in the city, apparently to prevent potential protests following the arrest. The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office described İmamoğlu as a “criminal enterprise ringleader” in a statement.

The detention comes just days before İmamoğlu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) is set to hold its presidential candidate elections on Sunday, in which he is the sole contender. It also follows a decision by Istanbul University to annul his degree, a move that could disqualify him from running in future presidential elections if upheld.

Allegations and Political Backlash

İmamoğlu, 53, was detained and taken to police headquarters, according to a press aide who spoke to Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity. The mayor has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the government of attempting to “usurp the will” of the people.

In a video message posted on social media, İmamoğlu declared, “I love you all very much, I entrust myself to my nation. Let everyone know that I will stand tall.” He later added, “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged.”

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel condemned the arrest as a “coup,” stating, “Currently, there is a power in place to prevent the nation from determining the next president. We are facing an attempted coup against our next president.”

Degree Annulment Raises Questions

The arrest followed a search of İmamoğlu’s home on Tuesday. Separately, Istanbul University nullified his diploma, citing alleged irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its faculty of business administration. İmamoğlu called the decision “illegal,” arguing that the university lacks the authority to cancel his degree.

The move has been widely perceived as politically motivated, with İmamoğlu suggesting it was made under pressure from Erdoğan’s government. He vowed to challenge the decision, writing on X, “The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near. The march of our people, who are thirsty for justice, law, and democracy, cannot be stopped.”

In a defiant tone, İmamoğlu added, “What will I do next? I will keep running like a lion. There’s no stepping back, I’ll run even harder.”

The developments have intensified concerns about the independence of Turkey’s judiciary and the broader political climate.