Istanbul: Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Istanbul on Thursday following the arrest of the city’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure seen as a major challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Authorities responded to the unrest by imposing restrictions, including road closures, limiting access to social media, and enforcing a four-day ban on demonstrations. Despite these measures, large crowds gathered outside Istanbul’s police headquarters, City Hall, and the headquarters of İmamoğlu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Riot police barricaded roads leading to the Vatan Security Department, where İmamoğlu was taken after being detained. Alongside the mayor, around 100 individuals, including prominent political figures, were arrested.
Authorities allege that İmamoğlu and his associates were involved in corruption, including fraud and extortion, as well as supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey and its Western allies classify as a terrorist organization.
The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices, with critics arguing that the move is politically motivated, aimed at weakening Erdoğan’s rivals ahead of upcoming elections.
A day before his arrest, Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu’s bachelor’s degree, which is a legal requirement for running in elections. The move was widely condemned by opposition leaders.
Speaking at a press conference, CHP leader Özgür Özel accused Erdoğan of targeting İmamoğlu out of fear of losing power. He described the situation as a "coup attempt" against democracy.
"They are capable of any wrongdoing. We are prepared for whatever they may do," Özel stated. "This is no longer just a political battle; it is a fight for the very future of our country."
In response, Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc rejected accusations of political interference, insisting that the judiciary operates independently.
"Describing legal investigations as a coup attempt is both dangerous and misleading," Tunc said. "The judiciary acts without external influence, and it is inappropriate to link its decisions to the president."
International reactions have also poured in, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing "deep concern" over İmamoğlu’s detention. She emphasized that as a candidate for EU membership, Turkey must uphold democratic principles and respect elected officials.
"We want Turkey to remain connected to Europe, but this requires a clear commitment to democratic values," von der Leyen stated.
The situation remains tense, with opposition supporters vowing to continue protesting against what they see as a politically driven crackdown.
