Istanbul Mayor and Erdogan President rival arrested

Turkish officials detained the mayor of Istanbul, he was elected as a presidential candidate a few days ago.

Ekrem Imamoglu from the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP) is seen as one of the strongest political rivals of Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan.

The prosecutors accused him of corruption and supported a terrorist group, called him “criminal organization leader suspect”.

Police detained 100 people – including other politicians, journalists and traders – as part of the investigation, and the office of Istanbul Governor has imposed four days of restrictions in the city.

Imamoglu said online “People’s will not be silent”.

In a social media video, he said that he filmed, while the police were outside his house, he vowed the “Stand Rejolute” for the Turkish people and everyone who retains democracy and justice all over the world “.

And in a handwritten note Posted on his X account After his arrest, he said that the Turkish people would respond against him “lies, conspiracy and traps”.

Protests have taken place in Turkish roads and university complexes, and in underground stations, chanting anti -government slogans. It is a demonstration of public anger that has not been seen over the years.

There were reports of clashes between protesters and police in Türkiye’s largest city. The Reuters News Agency Footage showed the police using black pepper spray pellets to spread the crowd outside the Istanbul University.

The government has banned public functions in Istanbul as part of the four -day sanctions. But nationwide more protests as opposition leaders, including Imamoglu’s wife, estimates people to “raise their voice”.

Many roads in Istanbul have also been closed for traffic, while some metro lines have also canceled their services.

UK -based Internet Watchdog Netblock said on Wednesday Turkey had severely banned access On social media sites like X, YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok.

The arrest comes as part of a major rift in recent months, which targets opposition politicians, municipalities, journalists and figures in the entertainment industry.

After the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul, concerns were expressed on social media on the shift of Turkey’s autocracy, some were called for opposition boycott of the upcoming presidential elections with some, arguing that a fair and democratic vote is no longer possible.

Imamoglu’s party, CHP, also condemned the arrest as “a coup against our next president”, a feeling widely echoed by the sounds of supporter-boycott.

But the Turkish Minister of Justice criticized those who associated Erdogan with arrests.

Yilamaz Tanak said that it was “extremely dangerous and wrong”, it was a political move to suggest that no one was above the law in Türkiye.

Erdogan and his party have also denied claims, stating that the judiciary of Türkiye is independent. He has been in power for 22 years.

Last year, Imamoglu won the second term As the Mayor of Istanbul, when his CHP party held local elections in Ankara and Ankara.

This was the first time after Erdogan came to power that his party had defeated in ballot box across the country.

The election was also a personal shock for the President, who grew up and became the mayor of Istanbul when he got up and got up in power.

Dozens of police officers were involved in a morning raid at Imamoglu’s house in Istanbul.

CHP presidential candidate selection, in which Imamoglu is the only person to be held on Sunday.

Imamoglu’s arrest took place a day after the cancellation of his degree due to alleged irregularities by the University of Istanbul – a decision, which if retained, would be prevented from running in the presidential elections.

According to the Turkish Constitution, the presidents should complete higher education to hold office.

Imamoglu called that step “legally baseless”, saying that the university should “be independent, free from political intervention and dedicated to knowledge”.

Currently the presidential election is scheduled for 2028. Erdogan cannot currently walk to the office again, as he is in his second term and first acts as Prime Minister before him.

The way Erdogan can contest another election, it can change the Constitution, or to call an initial election before the end of his term.

Forced recovery and fraud are being accused, Imamoglu has also been allegedly supported by PKK.

PKK – or Kurdistan Workers Party – has launched a rebellion since 1984, and has been prosecuted as a terrorist group in Turkey, European Union, UK and US.

Group announced its decision earlier this month WeaponAfter a call from his imprisoned leader, who was engaged in conversation with Turkish officials.

International response to arrest has been negative. Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it was part of the “acute legal measures” designed to pressurize Imamoglu, while France said it was “deeply concerned” with arrests, which could have “heavy consequences on Turkish democracy”.

Turkish Lira, meanwhile, briefly decreased an all -time against the US dollar, as the markets responded poorly to political uncertainty.

While many were surprised to awaken the news of the arrest of Imamoglu, legal pressure on the popular opposition leader is far from the new.

He has faced many investigations and was Handed over a political ban On the allegations of insulting the Turkish election board in 2019 in December 2022, he appealed, the last ruling is still pending.

Additionally, he has been the subject of cases related to alleged tender irregularities during his tenure as Mayor of Beelikduju district of Istanbul.

Recently, on 20 January, a new case was registered against an prosecutor on his criticism.