Erdogan's opponent detained shortly before announcement of presidential candidacy
Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday over accusations of corruption and ties to terrorist organizations. This arrest occurs just ahead of the opposition Republican People’s Party’s plans to nominate him as...
TroibNews 
Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday over accusations of corruption and ties to terrorist organizations. This arrest occurs just ahead of the opposition Republican People’s Party’s plans to nominate him as a challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming 2028 election.
Imamoglu, a prominent member of the CHP, rose to fame after defeating Erdogan's Justice and Development Party in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election, which ended over 20 years of the party's dominance in the city of 19 million residents. Recent polls have suggested Imamoglu has the potential to defeat Erdogan in a presidential race.
In a video shared on X just before his detention, Imamoglu stated, “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged.”
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel criticized the arrest, calling it “a coup against our next president.” Despite Imamoglu's detention, the CHP intends to move forward with a planned primary on March 23.
The Turkish government has dismissed the opposition's claims of political interference, insisting that the judiciary functions independently.
The arrest has ignited protests throughout Istanbul, prompting authorities to impose a four-day ban on demonstrations and reportedly limit access to social media platforms.
According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, around 100 individuals, including journalists and businesspeople, were detained on suspicions of criminal activity linked to municipal tenders. Additional investigations have led to charges against Imamoglu and six others for allegedly aiding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey.
This incident followed the revocation of Imamoglu's university degree by Istanbul University, citing "nullity" and "clear error" in his 1990 transfer from a private institution in northern Cyprus. Imamoglu has announced his intention to contest this decision in court. Should it be upheld, it could disqualify him from running for president, as Turkish law requires candidates to possess a valid university degree.
In a display of support, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas declared on Tuesday that he is halting any consideration of his own presidential run. Yavas remarked, “I am announcing to the public that I am suspending my decision to evaluate my presidential candidacy… until this unlawfulness is eliminated.”
Following Imamoglu's arrest, there was considerable upheaval in the country's financial markets. The Turkish lira saw a decline of up to 14.5% against the US dollar, and the BIST 100 equity index dropped by 5.9%.
The next presidential election in Turkey is set for 2028. Erdogan has reached his term limit and cannot run again unless the constitution is altered or an early election is called. The CHP notably won significant victories in the 2019 municipal elections, capturing key cities including Istanbul and Ankara.
Erdogan, who began his political career as the mayor of Istanbul, experienced imprisonment in 1999 for reciting a poem that a court deemed incited religious hatred.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Imamoglu, a prominent member of the CHP, rose to fame after defeating Erdogan's Justice and Development Party in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election, which ended over 20 years of the party's dominance in the city of 19 million residents. Recent polls have suggested Imamoglu has the potential to defeat Erdogan in a presidential race.
In a video shared on X just before his detention, Imamoglu stated, “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged.”
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel criticized the arrest, calling it “a coup against our next president.” Despite Imamoglu's detention, the CHP intends to move forward with a planned primary on March 23.
The Turkish government has dismissed the opposition's claims of political interference, insisting that the judiciary functions independently.
The arrest has ignited protests throughout Istanbul, prompting authorities to impose a four-day ban on demonstrations and reportedly limit access to social media platforms.
According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, around 100 individuals, including journalists and businesspeople, were detained on suspicions of criminal activity linked to municipal tenders. Additional investigations have led to charges against Imamoglu and six others for allegedly aiding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which is classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey.
This incident followed the revocation of Imamoglu's university degree by Istanbul University, citing "nullity" and "clear error" in his 1990 transfer from a private institution in northern Cyprus. Imamoglu has announced his intention to contest this decision in court. Should it be upheld, it could disqualify him from running for president, as Turkish law requires candidates to possess a valid university degree.
In a display of support, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas declared on Tuesday that he is halting any consideration of his own presidential run. Yavas remarked, “I am announcing to the public that I am suspending my decision to evaluate my presidential candidacy… until this unlawfulness is eliminated.”
Following Imamoglu's arrest, there was considerable upheaval in the country's financial markets. The Turkish lira saw a decline of up to 14.5% against the US dollar, and the BIST 100 equity index dropped by 5.9%.
The next presidential election in Turkey is set for 2028. Erdogan has reached his term limit and cannot run again unless the constitution is altered or an early election is called. The CHP notably won significant victories in the 2019 municipal elections, capturing key cities including Istanbul and Ankara.
Erdogan, who began his political career as the mayor of Istanbul, experienced imprisonment in 1999 for reciting a poem that a court deemed incited religious hatred.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
