In a dramatic turn of events, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on March 19, 2025, under allegations of financial misconduct and purported ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). As a notable opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this move against Imamoglu appears to be part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures, stirring tensions in Turkey's political landscape.
The arrest sparked immediate and widespread protests across major cities, with thousands taking to the streets in Istanbul and Ankara. Demonstrators defied a government-imposed four-day ban on gatherings, leading to clashes with police forces. Near police headquarters and the offices of the Republican People's Party (CHP), confrontations broke out as protesters voiced their anger over what they perceive as a politically motivated effort to suppress opposition voices.
A total of over 100 individuals were detained, including close associates of Imamoglu and Ismail Saymaz, a journalist known for his alignment with opposition views. The CHP, led by Ozgur Ozel, condemned the arrests as an orchestrated 'coup' to hinder Imamoglu's political prospects. They argue that the revocation of Imamoglu's university diploma by Istanbul University is a tactic to disqualify him from the presidential race, in accordance with Turkish law.
The Turkish Justice Minister responded to accusations of political interference by asserting the independence of the judiciary, yet skepticism persists both domestically and internationally. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has explicitly called for Turkey to adhere to democratic norms, implying concern over the fair treatment of opposition figures.
In the aftermath of Imamoglu's arrest, Turkey's economy has felt the strain. The Istanbul Stock Exchange experienced a sharp decline of 7%, while the Turkish lira weakened significantly against the US dollar. This economic turmoil underscores the broader impact of political instability on the country's financial markets.
Prior to this arrest, Imamoglu already faced legal challenges, including a 2022 conviction for allegedly insulting electoral officials. These legal woes could lead to further political bans, striking at the heart of his and the CHP’s ability to challenge Erdogan’s dominance.
Despite this setback, the CHP has affirmed its commitment to proceed with its plan to nominate a presidential candidate. The party remains undeterred in its mission to counter Erdogan’s governance, insisting that they will withstand these legal and political challenges.