Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chief political rival, as part of an investigation into corruption and terror links. Prosecutors have issued warrants for around 100 other people, including businessmen and journalists.
Imamoglu was taken to police headquarters after his home in Istanbul was raided early Wednesday. Authorities have banned demonstrations in the city for four days to prevent protests following the arrest.
The mayor’s detention comes a day after he had his university diploma revoked over irregularities. Imamoglu is seen as a top contender to run for president, but Erdogan must hold elections by 2028 if he wants to stay in office.
Imamoglu vowed not to give up and released a statement saying the “will of the people cannot be silenced through intimidation or unlawful acts.” Human Rights Watch has condemned the detention, calling it a “flagrant abuse of the justice system” and part of a pattern of politically motivated investigations aimed at undermining opposition.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-detains-istanbul-mayor-imamoglu-in-corruption-probe/a-71967396