A Turkish court on Sunday jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—widely seen as President Tayyip Erdogan’s top political rival—on corruption charges, setting off the country’s largest anti-government demonstrations in more than a decade.
Imamoglu, a central figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and its presumptive candidate for the next presidential election, was detained on allegations of “establishing and leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, embezzlement, unlawfully recording personal data, and rigging public tenders,” according to a court statement. He also faces separate terrorism charges, though he was not formally arrested on those counts at the same time.
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“I am standing tall, I will never bow down,” Imamoglu said on X, calling the accusations “unimaginable” and urging supporters to remain hopeful. “We will rip away this coup, this dark stain on our democracy all together.”
The ruling to jail Imamoglu has drawn intense criticism, both domestically and internationally. Opposition figures, European leaders, and tens of thousands of demonstrators accuse the government of orchestrating a politicized probe to sideline Erdogan’s main rival. Government officials deny any political motives, insisting that the courts act independently.
Mass protests erupted overnight in major cities, including Istanbul, Izmir, and the capital Ankara. Police used tear gas, pepper spray pellets, and in some cases water cannons in an effort to disperse crowds, who hurled firecrackers in return. At least 323 people have been detained since the demonstrations began, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
Imamoglu’s arrest came just hours before the CHP was expected to formally endorse him as its presidential nominee. Though Turkey’s next general election is slated for 2028, Erdogan, in power for 22 years, faces term limits. Political analysts say Erdogan could force early elections if he intends to run again.