The largest opposition party, CHP, condemned the arrest as a “coup against our next president.”
Imamoglu, 54, has led Erdoğan in some opinion polls, and his Republican People’s Party (CHP) was set to officially name him as its presidential candidate in the coming days.
He now faces two separate investigations on allegations of running a criminal organization, bribery, and rigging tenders.
Heightened political tensions
Police briefly banned protests and blocked off streets, but about 100 demonstrators gathered at the police station where Imamoglu was taken, chanting: “The day will come when the AKP is called to account.”
More rallies were planned, potentially testing the authorities’ willingness to continue their clampdown on opposition figures.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel urged a united front and vowed that his party would still pick Imamoglu as its candidate on Sunday. “We are witnessing a coup attempt here,” he said, calling for resistance.
Elections and Erdoğan’s rule
Turkey’s next election is set for 2028, but Erdoğan has reached his two-term limit as president after previously serving as prime minister. If he wants another run, he must either call an early election or amend the constitution.
Erdoğan’s party, AKP, suffered its biggest electoral setback in last year’s municipal vote, when Imamoglu’s CHP gained control of major Turkish cities, including Istanbul.
Judiciary and human rights concerns
A spokesman for the government said the judiciary is independent, dismissing accusations that the arrest was politically motivated. Human Rights Watch called the charges “politically motivated and bogus,” urging Imamoglu’s release.
Prosecutors said 100 people, including journalists and business figures, are being investigated for alleged corruption related to municipal tenders.
They also accused Imamoglu and six others of aiding the PKK, which Turkey and its Western allies list as a terrorist organization.
Economic fallout
Turkey’s lira tumbled 12% to a record-low 42 to the dollar on news of the detention, highlighting investor fears over eroding rule of law in the NATO member state.
Istanbul stocks also dropped over 5%, sparking concerns about the impact on Turkey’s monetary and inflation policies.
(jh)
Source: Reuters, The Associated Press