Turkish Police Arrest Istanbul Mayor, Key Erdogan Rival, Over Corruption and Terror Links

Istanbul: A key rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and popular opposition leader also serving as the mayor of Istanbul has been arrested by the police on Wednesday as a part of investigation into alleged corruption and terror links.

Several other prominent figures have also been arrested in a  dramatic escalation  in government crackdown on the dissenting voices in Turkey.

Mayor of Istanbul Arrested

Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, has been at the center of recent legal developments in Turkey. Prosecutors issued detention warrants for him and around 100 other individuals, including his close aide, Murat Ongun, according to state-run Anadolu agency.

Critics argue that the recent crackdown on opposition figures, including Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, follows significant losses by President Erdogan's ruling party in local elections last year. These losses have been accompanied by growing calls for early national elections, fueling tensions in the political landscape.

In response, government officials maintain that the courts operate independently and reject claims that legal actions against opposition figures are politically motivated. They assert that these legal processes are part of a fair judicial system, not influenced by political pressure.

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To prevent protests following the arrests, authorities have taken steps to maintain control in Istanbul. Several roads were closed, and a ban on demonstrations was imposed for four days. Additionally, private NTV television reported that two Istanbul district mayors were among those detained in the operation.

‘Will not be Discouraged’ Says Imamoglu

In a video message posted on social media earlier in the day, Imamoglu expressed defiance in the face of the crackdown. “We are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,” he said, accusing the government of “usurping the will” of the people.

Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest occurred after police conducted a search of his home, though it was unclear whether anything was seized during the search. His wife, Dilek Imamoglu, shared with private Now television that police arrived at their residence before dawn, and the mayor was taken into custody around 7:30 a.m.

The arrest had immediate economic repercussions. The Istanbul Stock Exchange’s main index plummeted by 7%, prompting a temporary halt in trading to prevent panic selling and stabilize the market. Additionally, the Turkish lira depreciated by approximately 7% against the dollar following the news of Imamoglu's detention.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has led Turkey for more than two decades as either prime minister or president, has increasingly displayed authoritarian tendencies. As the longest-serving leader in Turkey's history, Erdogan’s current term is set to last until 2028, although he has expressed interest in serving beyond that, potentially with the support of a sympathetic parliament.

(with AP inputs)