A Turkish court on Sunday ordered the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu pending trial, following his arrest last week. The decision comes as mass protests continue to sweep across Turkey, sparked by allegations of corruption and connections to terrorism. Imamoglu, a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained after facing questioning in court on Saturday, which set off one of the largest protests the country has seen in more than a decade.
Widespread Protests Against Imamoglu’s Detention
Since Thursday, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in cities across Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara, to protest Imamoglu’s detention. The demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, with protesters voicing their opposition to what they describe as politically motivated charges. On Sunday, the court formally arrested Imamoglu, who faces charges of corruption. These charges are separate from a terrorism investigation regarding his alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), both designated as terrorist organizations by Turkey.
Imamoglu and his associates are accused of being involved in a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, and aggravated fraud, according to the Istanbul prosecutor’s office. The charges have drawn widespread criticism, with supporters arguing that they are part of a broader government crackdown on the opposition following Erdogan’s significant loss in local elections last year.
Protests Escalate as Demonstrators Face Police Crackdown
Protests intensified over the weekend, with large crowds gathering outside the Istanbul municipal building and Caglayan courthouse in support of Imamoglu. The protests defied a city-wide ban on street gatherings, which is in place until March 26. Police responded with tear gas and pepper spray, dispersing the crowds as some demonstrators threw firecrackers and other objects. Clashes also erupted in other cities, including Izmir and Ankara, where police used water cannons to disperse protesters.
Turkish authorities have arrested 323 people in connection with the ongoing demonstrations, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The protests have become a focal point for opposition to Erdogan’s government, with critics arguing that Imamoglu’s detention is a politically motivated move aimed at weakening opposition ahead of future elections.
Opposition Parties Decry Charges as Politically Motivated
Imamoglu’s supporters, including members of his main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), have strongly condemned the charges as an attempt to silence political opponents. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed crowds in Istanbul on Saturday, calling for unity among protesters and emphasizing the importance of standing up for Imamoglu and others detained in connection with the investigation.
“There are millions of people who are not afraid of him,” Ozel said, referring to Erdogan.
Erdogan, who served as Istanbul’s mayor before becoming president, has dismissed the protests as theatrics. He rejected the idea that Imamoglu’s detention was politically motivated, stating that the judiciary is independent and that Turkey’s legal system must be respected.
Government Response and Warnings to Protesters
In response to the unrest, Erdogan warned late Saturday on social media that no one in Turkey is above the law, adding a direct message to the CHP: “We will definitely not allow CHP and its supporters to disrupt public order with provocations and disturb the peace of our nation.” The government has also issued stern warnings that those who disrupt public order will not be tolerated.
According to the Interior Ministry, at least 16 police officers have been injured in clashes with protesters since the demonstrations began.
Political Context and Future Elections
Imamoglu, elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019 and again in 2024, has become a significant figure in Turkish politics. Analysts speculate that his detention is linked to the upcoming presidential elections, which are scheduled for 2028, though some believe Erdogan could call for early elections to sidestep term limits. Imamoglu’s detention and the ongoing protests have cast a shadow over the political landscape in Turkey as tensions continue to rise ahead of future elections.
