Turkish authorities have detained the chief political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption and terror links, according to media reports. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors have also issued warrants for around 100 other people, including businessmen and journalists.
Imamoglu revealed in a post early Wednesday that hundreds of police were present outside his house. Broadcaster CNNTurk reported that police were searching his property as part of the investigation. Imamoglu’s press aide stated that he had been detained and was now at the police headquarters.
Imamoglu’s detention follows the decision by Istanbul University to revoke his university diploma due to irregularities. This move poses a significant setback to his presidential aspirations in the next election, as a university degree is a requirement for running for president.
Imamoglu, a prominent opposition politician from the center-left Republican People’s Party (CHP), was expected to be nominated as the party’s presidential candidate over the weekend. He has previously won two mayoral elections in Istanbul, defeating candidates from Erdogan’s ruling conservative Justice and Development (AKP) party.
Erodgan has dominated Turkish politics since becoming prime minister in 2003 and must hold elections before 2028 if he wants to run again under the constitution. The mayoral race in Istanbul holds particular significance since Erdogan launched his political career there, serving as mayor in the 1990s.
Imamoglu stated that he would not give up and vowed to challenge the annulment of his university diploma in court. He believes that this decision goes beyond himself and threatens the achievements and rights of the entire nation.
However, critics argue that Turkish courts often sway to Erdogan’s will. The government maintains that the judiciary operates independently. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, another potential CHP presidential candidate, expressed support for Imamoglu and threatened legal action against the university decision.
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Source: https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-detains-istanbul-mayor-imamoglu-in-corruption-probe/a-71967396?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
