Turkey has detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organisation. The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned the move as “a coup against our next president.” Imamoglu’s detention has triggered widespread protests and a sharp decline in Turkey’s currency and stock market.
Legal crackdown on opposition figures
The arrest of Imamoglu, a two-term mayor and potential presidential candidate, marks the culmination of months of legal action against opposition figures. Critics say these efforts aim to weaken the opposition ahead of elections and silence dissent. Imamoglu, 54, had been expected to be named the CHP’s presidential candidate within days. He now faces multiple investigations, including accusations of leading a criminal organisation, bribery, and tender rigging.
Prosecutors accused him of corruption and aiding a terrorist group, calling him a “criminal organisation leader suspect.” A total of 100 people, including other politicians, journalists, and businesspeople, were detained as part of the investigation. The Istanbul governor’s office has imposed four days of restrictions in the city, banning protests and closing key roads and metro services.
In a handwritten letter shared online, Imamoglu vowed to resist what he called “lies, plots, and traps.” Before turning himself in to authorities, he declared he would not bow to pressure.
Imamoglu also posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The will of the people cannot be silenced.” He further emphasised his commitment to democracy, saying he would stand firm for the people of Turkey and for all who uphold justice worldwide. In a handwritten note posted on X after his arrest, he wrote, “The people of Turkey will respond to the lies, the conspiracies, and the traps against me.”
Önce Allah’a sonra milletimize emanetim! pic.twitter.com/tYfqrPedaw
— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) March 19, 2025
Political and public reactions
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc warned against linking Erdogan to Imamoglu’s detention or calling it a “coup.” Authorities have temporarily banned protests, but despite this, thousands took to the streets in Istanbul and other cities. Protesters gathered outside the police station where Imamoglu was held, chanting anti-government slogans. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel accused Erdogan of using the judiciary to eliminate his strongest opponent, saying, “Are you up for it, Erdogan? Are you up for coming before us?”
Police clashed with demonstrators in Istanbul, using pepper spray and tear gas to disperse crowds outside Istanbul University. Protests also erupted in Ankara, Izmir, and Trabzon, as well as at underground stations and university campuses. Thousands gathered in Istanbul’s Sarachane district, shouting: “Erdogan, dictator!” and “Imamoglu, you are not alone!”
Authorities shut down major roads, while some metro lines cancelled services. UK-based internet watchdog Netblocks reported that Turkey had severely restricted access to social media platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok following Imamoglu’s detention.
Economic fallout
The detention triggered panic in financial markets. Turkey’s lira crashed as much as 12%, reaching a record low of 42 to the US dollar before stabilising at 38. The Istanbul stock exchange dropped by over 5%. Analysts say the economic shock could disrupt Turkey’s planned interest rate cuts and hinder efforts to reduce inflation, which recently dropped to 39%.
The central bank reportedly intervened by selling $8-10 billion in foreign currency to cushion the lira’s decline.
Charges and possible political consequences
The Istanbul prosecutor’s office stated that 100 individuals, including journalists and businesspeople, were under investigation for corruption and misconduct in municipal tenders. A separate probe accuses Imamoglu and six others of aiding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey and its Western allies classify as a terrorist organisation.
If convicted, Imamoglu could be replaced by a government-appointed official. Despite this, the CHP announced it would proceed with naming him as its presidential candidate on Sunday. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, but Erdogan, who has reached his two-term limit, could attempt to run again by calling an early election or amending the constitution.
Erdogan, 71, suffered his worst electoral defeat in nationwide municipal elections last year when Imamoglu’s CHP swept Turkey’s major cities and defeated his ruling AK Party in its former strongholds. The loss was a personal and political blow to Erdogan, who had begun his political rise as mayor of Istanbul. According to Turkey’s constitution, Erdogan cannot seek another term as president unless he calls an early election or changes the law.
International condemnation
Germany, France, the European Union, and the Council of Europe have criticised Imamoglu’s arrest. The US State Department urged Turkey to respect the rights of its citizens. Human Rights Watch called the charges “politically motivated and bogus” and demanded his immediate release.
The move comes amid broader government efforts to end the PKK insurgency. Last month, the group’s imprisoned leader called for disarmament, raising hopes for peace. However, Imamoglu’s detention, partly linked to his alleged electoral alliance with the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, could undermine reconciliation efforts. DEM, parliament’s third-largest party, which played a key role in facilitating the disarmament call, stated that Imamoglu must be released to avoid sabotaging the peace process.
A pattern of political pressure
Imamoglu has faced legal challenges before. In 2019, he received a political ban for allegedly insulting Turkey’s electoral board, a ruling he has appealed. More recently, Istanbul University annulled his degree, a decision that, if upheld, could prevent him from running for president, as Turkish law requires candidates to have completed higher education. Imamoglu called the move “legally baseless” and said universities “must remain independent, free from political interference and dedicated to knowledge.”
Erdogan suffered a significant electoral setback in last year’s municipal elections when the CHP won major cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. The defeat was widely seen as a turning point in Turkish politics, undermining Erdogan’s long-standing dominance.
Uncertain future
As Turkey’s political and economic turmoil deepens, the coming days will be critical in determining Imamoglu’s fate and the opposition’s strategy. With continued protests, international scrutiny, and economic instability, the implications of this arrest could extend far beyond Turkey’s borders.
Also read: Turkey’s Erdoğan seeks meeting with Trump
Source: Reuters / BBC
