Istanbul, Turkey – March 20, 2025:
Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader and key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday amidst a sweeping crackdown on dissent in Turkey. The arrests, which included over 100 individuals, have ignited nationwide protests and heightened concerns over the country’s democratic future.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, police raided Imamoglu’s residence at dawn, detaining him around 7:30 a.m. His close aide Murat Ongun and two district mayors were also arrested. The mayor faces accusations of financial irregularities and alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies.
These arrests occurred at a politically sensitive time, as Imamoglu was widely expected to be nominated as the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in its upcoming primary election. Critics contend that the government’s actions are a politically motivated effort to weaken opposition forces before the 2028 presidential elections, with some labeling the move a “judicial coup.”
In response, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Istanbul despite a four-day demonstration ban imposed by authorities. Roads were closed, social media platforms were restricted, and riot police blocked off key areas, including the city hall and the police headquarters where Imamoğlu was taken. The CHP leader, Ozgur Ozel, condemned the arrests, declaring, “The will of the people is being usurped. This is nothing short of a coup attempt.”
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc denied political interference, insisting that the judiciary operates independently. “Linking investigations to our President is presumptuous and inappropriate,” he stated. However, human rights groups have criticized the arrest, with Human Rights Watch calling it a “flagrant abuse of the justice system.”
Adding to Imamoğlu’s troubles, Istanbul University revoked his bachelor’s degree a day before his arrest. Under Turkish law, a university degree is a prerequisite for running in elections, further fueling concerns that the government is attempting to bar him from future political participation.
International reactions have been swift. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reminded Turkey of its obligation to uphold democratic values as an EU candidate country. “Turkey must respect democratic norms and the rights of elected officials,” she emphasized.
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