Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul’s popular mayor, Akram Imamoglu, a leading contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday amid allegations of corruption and support for a terrorist group. The arrest comes as part of a months-long crackdown on opposition figures across the country.
Recent opinion polls indicate that the 54-year-old Imamoglu is enjoying rising popularity and could perform strongly in future elections. However, he now faces two separate investigations that include charges of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and tender fraud. Critics have denounced the arrest as politically motivated, with the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), describing the move as “a coup against our next president.”
In a video circulated on social media, Imamoglu maintained that he would not back down despite the pressure. Security forces raided his home early Wednesday morning, and he was seen preparing to leave with the authorities.
The Turkish government has dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that the judiciary remains independent. Recently, it had also ordered the surrender of weapons from members of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an action viewed by some as a step toward ending a decades-long insurgency.
With Turkey’s next presidential election scheduled for 2028, the CHP is expected to formally announce Imamoglu as their candidate in the coming days.
