Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on Wednesday, just days before he was expected to be named the opposition’s presidential candidate. His detention comes amid accusations of corruption and terror links, charges widely seen as politically motivated.
The arrest follows the sudden nullification of İmamoğlu’s university diploma, a move that effectively disqualified him from running for president. Under Turkish law, candidates must hold a university degree. Critics argue this is an attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government to eliminate its strongest political rival ahead of the 2028 elections.
Political Backlash and Public Outcry
The arrest has triggered widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and activists. Özgür Özel, chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), called İmamoğlu’s detention a “coup” against democracy.
“This is an attempt to prevent the nation from choosing its next leader,” Özel said. Meanwhile, protests erupted across Istanbul, prompting the government to impose a four-day ban on demonstrations.
İmamoğlu, 53, has vowed to continue his political fight, denouncing his arrest as “a blow to the will of the nation.” He previously defeated Erdoğan’s ruling party in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election—a historic loss for the president’s Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Government Crackdown on Opposition Figures
This is not the first time İmamoğlu has faced legal challenges. In 2022, he was convicted of insulting Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council, a charge that could lead to a political ban. He also faces multiple lawsuits that could result in prison time.
Political analysts believe these moves indicate Erdoğan’s growing concern over his ability to win future elections. Wolfango Piccoli of the Teneo political risk advisory firm stated, “This goes beyond undermining a fair electoral race; it shows Erdoğan’s control over the state apparatus to shape reality.”
Despite legal and political obstacles, İmamoğlu remains defiant. “There’s no stepping back,” he declared. “I will run even harder.”
