The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked widespread criticism, with accusations of political oppression and attacks on democracy.
Imamoglu, a key rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained on charges including corruption, aiding a terrorist group, and leading a criminal organisation.
He was arrested alongside over 100 others, including journalists and business figures.
This comes shortly after Istanbul University annulled his degree, which could disqualify him from the upcoming presidential race.
Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, condemned the arrest as politically motivated, calling the circulation of “dirty information” about her husband an attempt to undermine his political future.
She also described the degree cancellation as unlawful, aimed at preventing Imamoglu from running for president.
Φίλε Εκρέμ, είμαστε δίπλα σου.
— Haris Doukas (@h_doukas) March 19, 2025
Με ανησυχία παρακολουθούμε τις εξελίξεις στην Κωνσταντινούπολη και τη σύλληψη του δημάρχου @imamoglu_int και 100 συνεργατών του.
Ο κύριος αντίπαλος του Ερντογάν, εκλεγμένος από το 54% των πολιτών της Κωνσταντινούπολης βρίσκεται υπό κράτηση,… pic.twitter.com/vCk9DCnYEX
The arrest has drawn international condemnation, including from Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, who expressed solidarity with Imamoglu, calling the actions against him an “attack on democracy.”
Doukas highlighted the growing persecution of Imamoglu, who was elected by 54% of Istanbul’s population.
The situation has also led to unrest within Turkey, with the opposition party, CHP, denouncing the arrest as a “coup against our next president.”
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel emphasised the importance of opposition unity, while Imamoglu vowed not to give up despite the pressure.
In response, the Turkish government has rejected claims that the legal actions against opposition figures are politically motivated, with Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc asserting that the judiciary operates independently.
However, international bodies such as the Council of Europe and foreign ministries from France and Germany have called the arrests a serious setback for democracy in Turkey.
