Türkiye detains Erdogan's main rival, opposition claims coup
Photo: Ekrem İmamoğlu (rudaw.net)
Turkish authorities have detained Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The leading opposition party has called this move "a coup against our next president," Reuters reports.
Actions against the popular Istanbul mayor are likely the culmination of a months-long crackdown on opposition figures nationwide.
The 54-year-old İmamoğlu, who is ahead of Erdoğan in some public opinion polls, is accused of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and bid-rigging.
The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) planned to name İmamoğlu as its official candidate for the presidential elections against Erdoğan, who has ruled Türkiye for over two decades.
The next elections are scheduled for 2028, but Erdoğan has already reached his term limit as president. If he wishes to run again, he would need to either call early elections and claim that his second term was incomplete or change the constitution.
In a video on social media, İmamoğlu declared that he will not surrender and will continue to stand firm in the face of pressure.
CHP leader Özgür Özel called the arrest "an attempted coup" and urged all opposition groups to unite against it. The party is moving forward with its plans to name İmamoğlu as its leader.
Charges against Istanbul’s mayor
According to a statement from the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office, 100 people—including journalists and businessmen—are suspected of criminal activity related to certain tenders in the first investigation.
The second investigation, as outlined in the statement, accuses İmamoğlu and six others of aiding the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Türkiye and its Western allies classify as a terrorist organization.
Last month, the PKK announced a ceasefire following a call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan for disarmament—a significant step toward ending a conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives. This move could have major implications for regional security and politics.
İmamoğlu’s detention came just one day after Istanbul University annulled his diploma, disqualifying him from running in the presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the governor of Istanbul has banned all gatherings and protests in the city for four days. The expanded legal crackdown includes numerous indictments and the appointment of several government officials to municipal positions currently held by the opposition.
