In a dramatic escalation of Turkey's political landscape, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent figure in the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was detained on March 19, 2025, on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as terrorist by Turkey and its Western allies. This arrest has ignited widespread protests across the nation, with critics decrying the move as a politically motivated attempt to sideline President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most formidable rival.
Imamoglu's ascent in Turkish politics began with his unexpected victory in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election, a significant blow to Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had controlled the city for decades. His win was initially annulled by the election board, prompting Imamoglu to label the officials as "idiots," a remark that led to a conviction and highlighted the burgeoning rivalry between him and Erdogan.
Since his electoral triumph, Imamoglu has faced a series of legal hurdles. In December 2022, he was sentenced to over two years in prison and handed a political ban for allegedly insulting public officials, a verdict that was widely criticized as an attempt to thwart his political ambitions. Despite these challenges, Imamoglu remained a resilient figure, continuing to serve as mayor while appealing the decisions.
The recent arrest stems from allegations of corruption and purported assistance to the PKK. Authorities have also accused Imamoglu of leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and manipulating tender processes within the municipality. Notably, Istanbul University revoked his academic degree, a move that could disqualify him from future presidential elections if upheld.
Imamoglu has vehemently denied all charges, characterizing them as baseless and politically driven. In a video message recorded before his detention, he stated, "We are faced with great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not give up."
The arrest has sparked massive protests across Turkey, with citizens taking to the streets in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, despite government-imposed bans on public gatherings. The opposition CHP has labeled the arrest a "coup attempt against democracy" and is calling for early elections. International observers have expressed concern over the state of democracy and judicial independence in Turkey, with some European leaders condemning the arrest as undemocratic.
The political turmoil has also impacted Turkey's economy, leading to a sharp selloff in Turkish assets and a historic low for the Turkish lira. Investors are wary of the escalating unrest and its potential long-term effects on the country's economic stability.
Imamoglu's detention marks a pivotal moment in Turkish politics, potentially reshaping the nation's democratic processes and its relations with the international community. As legal proceedings continue, the resilience of Turkey's democratic institutions and the rule of law will be closely scrutinized both domestically and globally.