Istanbul — On Wednesday, Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and major contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside several other notable individuals as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and connections to terrorism. This incident marked a significant intensification of the ongoing suppression of dissent and opposition in Turkey.
The state-run Anadolu news agency reported that prosecutors had issued arrest warrants for Imamoglu and around 100 others. Among those apprehended was Imamoglu’s close associate, Murat Ongun.
In a move to avert potential protests following the arrests, authorities closed several streets around Istanbul and prohibited demonstrations in the city for four days.
Despite the ban, a live feed from the Anka News Agency’s X account showed protesters clashing with riot police at Istanbul University, with one banner reading: “The university will not comply.” No immediate violence was reported during the demonstrations.
NTV, a private television network, mentioned that two district mayors from Istanbul were also among those detained. Critics pointed out that the crackdown follows significant setbacks for Erdogan’s party in local elections last year and increasing calls for early national elections. Government representatives assert that the judiciary is operating independently and dismiss claims of political motivations behind the arrest of opposition figures.
Imamoglu, addressing his supporters via social media earlier in the day, stated, “While we face great tyranny, I will not be disheartened.” Germany criticized the recent arrests, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer labeling them as “a serious setback for democracy.” Additionally, the internet watchdog Netblocks reported that Turkey was restricting access to various social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Erdogan, a populist leader with claims of authoritarian tendencies, has been in power for over two decades as either prime minister or president and is the longest-serving leader in the history of the Turkish republic.
