Turkish authorities have detained President Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, Ekrem Imamoglu, on charges including corruption and aiding a terrorist group. The move has been criticized as a politicized attempt to hurt his electoral prospects ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Imamoglu, the popular mayor of Istanbul, faces two separate investigations that include charges of leading a crime organization, bribery, and tender rigging. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has called the detention a “coup attempt” against Imamoglu and is preparing to name him as its official presidential challenger.
The detentions come amid a widening legal crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey, which has been criticized for undermining democracy and the rule of law. The Turkish lira has also plummeted 12% to an all-time low of 42 to the dollar, underscoring concerns over the erosion of these institutions.
Erdogan’s government denies the charges and claims that the judiciary is independent. However, human rights groups have accused the detention as “politically motivated” and called for Imamoglu’s release.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-authorities-order-detention-istanbul-mayor-some-100-others-2025-03-19