In a significant escalation of political tensions in Turkey, Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been formally arrested and charged with corruption. This incident comes just as Imamoglu was preparing to register as the opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) presidential candidate for the upcoming 2028 elections.
Imamoglu has firmly denied all allegations against him, stating on social media, “I will never bow.” His detention on Wednesday triggered one of the largest waves of protests seen in Turkey in over a decade, highlighting the deepening discontent among citizens. President Erdogan has openly criticized the demonstrations, accusing the CHP of attempting to “disturb the peace and polarise our people.”
Mass protests and government response
On Saturday, the atmosphere outside Istanbul’s mayoral office was charged, with tear gas lingering in the air even before the protests had officially commenced. As the crowds grew throughout the evening, the use of tear gas became more aggressive, making it difficult for demonstrators to breathe amid the chaos. Protesters, united in their chants of “rights, law, justice,” defied a government ban on gatherings, driven by a collective sense of injustice regarding what they perceive as an unlawful detention.
“I’m here for justice, I’m here for liberty. We’re free people and Turkish people cannot accept this. This is against our behaviour and culture.”
Many participants expressed a deep concern for the future of their country. One mother, who brought her 11-year-old son to join the protests, voiced her worries, stating, “It’s getting harder to live in Turkey day by day, we can’t control our lives, we can’t choose who we want and there is no real justice here.” The reluctance of many protesters to reveal their identities underscores the pervasive fear of government reprisal in the current political climate.
Nationwide protests and political implications
The demonstrations that have unfolded over the past four nights have largely remained peaceful, despite the government’s attempts to suppress them through a four-day ban on gatherings in major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Riot police have clashed with protestors, deploying pepper spray and water cannons in an effort to disperse crowds. Reports indicate that over 340 individuals were arrested on Friday night alone as protests continued to gain momentum across the nation.
Imamoglu, seen as one of Erdogan’s most formidable political opponents, is currently the only candidate for the CHP’s presidential selection, which is set to take place soon. However, his arrest is part of a larger crackdown that saw more than 100 individuals, including politicians, journalists, and business figures, detained under the guise of an investigation. Complicating matters further, Istanbul University announced the revocation of Imamoglu’s degree just a day before his arrest, citing alleged irregularities—this development raises questions about his eligibility to run for president, as the Turkish constitution mandates that presidential candidates must hold a higher education degree.
President Erdogan has maintained his position of power for over two decades, holding both the prime ministerial and presidential roles. Due to term limits, he is barred from running again in 2028 unless constitutional amendments are made. Meanwhile, opposition leaders assert that the recent arrests are politically motivated, a claim the Ministry of Justice has rebuffed by insisting on the independence of the judiciary.