Istanbul mayor arrested in pre-dawn raid

In a dramatic escalation of political tension in Turkey, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested, during a pre-dawn raid on his residence. The prominent opposition figure and key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces serious charges including corruption, aiding a terrorist organization, leading a criminal enterprise, bribery, and tender rigging.

The sweeping operation also resulted in the detention of approximately 100 other individuals, including İmamoğlu's close aide Murat Ongun, journalists, and business figures. Turkish authorities claim the arrests are part of an investigation into alleged criminal activities related to municipal tenders and purported links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.

The timing of these arrests has raised significant concerns, occurring just days before the Republican People's Party (CHP) primaries where İmamoğlu was expected to secure the presidential nomination. Adding to the controversy, Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu's degree the day before his arrest, citing irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus. This move could potentially disqualify him from presidential candidacy, as Turkish law requires candidates to have a university diploma.

Turkish authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent public unrest, including road closures in Istanbul and a four-day ban on demonstrations. Reports indicate that access to multiple social media platforms has also been restricted in the aftermath of the arrests.

This is not İmamoğlu's first legal challenge. In December 2022, he was convicted for allegedly insulting public officials, resulting in a prison sentence and political ban that remained unenforced pending appeal.

International observers view these actions as politically motivated efforts to suppress dissent and eliminate challengers to Erdoğan's administration.