Istanbul Mayor Arrested Before Trial as Protests Intensify

ISTANBUL, Turkey - 23 March 2025

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was formally arrested on 23 March 2025, following his detention on 19 March. The Istanbul Criminal Court ordered his detention pending trial on charges of corruption and alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey. İmamoğlu has denied all allegations, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to undermine his potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential elections. ​

İmamoğlu, a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has served as Istanbul's mayor since 2019, achieving significant electoral victories against Erdoğan's allies. On 18 March 2025, Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu's academic degree, citing irregularities—a move that could disqualify him from running for president, as Turkish law requires candidates to hold a university degree. The annulment occurred just days before the CHP was set to nominate him as their presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. ​

The following day, İmamoğlu was detained alongside over 100 individuals, including municipal officials, journalists, and business figures. Prosecutors accused him of leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, embezzlement, unlawfully recording personal data, and rigging public tenders. Additionally, he was charged with aiding the PKK through alleged alliances with pro-Kurdish parties during previous elections. İmamoğlu and his supporters have vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that they are fabricated to eliminate him as a political threat to Erdoğan. ​

The arrest has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, marking some of the largest demonstrations in over a decade. Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, to express their opposition to İmamoğlu's detention and to voice concerns over the state of democracy in the country. Protesters have gathered outside city halls, universities, and public squares, chanting slogans such as "İmamoğlu, you are not alone!" and "Erdogan, dictator!" ​

In Istanbul, demonstrators assembled outside the municipal offices, where CHP leader Özgür Özel addressed the crowd, urging continued support for İmamoğlu and referring to him as the "future president of Turkey." Despite a four-day ban on public gatherings imposed by the Istanbul Governor's Office, protests have persisted, leading to clashes with police forces employing tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. ​

İmamoğlu's arrest has intensified political tensions in Turkey, with opposition parties and international observers criticizing the move as an attempt to suppress dissent and weaken democratic institutions. The CHP has condemned the arrest as a "civilian coup" and has called for nationwide protests. Other opposition figures have echoed these sentiments, highlighting concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law under Erdoğan's administration. ​

The situation has also raised questions about the upcoming presidential elections and the future of opposition politics in Turkey. The annulment of İmamoğlu's degree and his subsequent arrest are seen by many as strategic moves to sideline a formidable challenger to Erdoğan's long-standing rule. The CHP's efforts to nominate İmamoğlu despite these obstacles underscore the party's commitment to contesting Erdoğan's leadership and advocating for democratic reforms. ​

The political turmoil has had immediate economic consequences. Following İmamoğlu's detention, the Turkish lira experienced a sharp decline, losing up to 14.5% of its value against the US dollar. The BIST 100 index also fell by 8.72%, reflecting investor concerns over escalating political instability. In response, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey intervened by selling nearly $10 billion in foreign currency to stabilize the lira. ​

The arrest has drawn international criticism, with organizations such as the Council of Europe condemning it as an action against the will of the people. The European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur, Nacho Sánchez Amor, expressed concern over the developments, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation. Human rights organizations have also denounced the arrest, viewing it as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures and a threat to democratic principles in Turkey. ​

Image: Mellonsapka/Wikimedia Commons

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