Turkey has detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading rival of President Tayyip Erdogan, on charges of corruption and supporting a terrorist group. The main opposition party, CHP, condemned the arrest on Wednesday, calling it "a coup against our next president."
Imamoglu's detention is the latest move in a long-running legal campaign against opposition figures, which many critics argue is a politically motivated attempt to damage their chances in upcoming elections.
In response, the Turkish lira dropped by as much as 12% to an all-time low of 42 to the dollar, highlighting growing concerns over the rule of law under Erdogan’s two-decade leadership. Imamoglu, who has been leading Erdogan in some opinion polls, was set to become the CHP's presidential candidate soon. He is now facing two separate investigations involving charges of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and tender manipulation.
Despite a temporary ban on protests and some street closures, around 100 people gathered outside the police station where Imamoglu was held, chanting, "The day will come when the AKP is called to account." Further, larger protests were being planned, which could challenge authorities as they continue their legal crackdown against opposition figures, including the removal of several elected mayors and the imprisonment of a nationalist party leader.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called for unity among opposition forces and announced that the party would proceed with Imamoglu as its presidential candidate. Ozel referred to the situation as "a coup against the next President," urging resistance to the political move.
Imamoglu, preparing for his detention, posted a video on social media saying he would resist the pressure and not give up.
Turkey’s next presidential election is set for 2028. Erdogan, having reached his two-term limit, would need to call an early election or change the constitution to run again. Imamoglu dealt a significant blow to Erdogan's AKP in the 2024 municipal elections, when the CHP gained control of major cities, including Istanbul.
Advisory firm Teneo’s Wolfango Piccoli noted that the events of the day reflect Erdogan’s priorities outweighing broader national concerns. The government denies the charges, asserting that the judiciary is independent.
Human Rights Watch condemned the charges as politically motivated and called for Imamoglu’s immediate release.
In addition to the charges, the Istanbul prosecutor’s office is investigating Imamoglu and others over potential criminal activity linked to tenders awarded by the municipality. Another investigation accuses him of aiding the PKK, a group deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies.
The PKK, which has waged an insurgency for decades, declared a ceasefire last month in response to a call from its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, for disarmament. This could signal a significant step toward peace.
Imamoglu's detention may pave the way for a government appointee to replace him. On the same day, Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s degree, which could prevent him from running in future elections if upheld.
Imamoglu’s arrest sent Istanbul stocks plunging by more than 5% and caused one of the sharpest drops in the lira’s history. Analysts believe the political turmoil could impact economic policies, including rate cuts and inflation control.
