The detention of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s top political rival has ignited the country’s most significant wave of public unrest in over a decade.
A statement from the Interior Ministry said İmamoğlu and two other Istanbul district mayors were removed for alleged offenses, including bribery, forming and leading a criminal organization, rigging public tenders, and illegally obtaining personal data.
Prosecutors charged Imamoglu following a Friday–Saturday interrogation, culminating in a court order for his pre-trial detention. He was transferred to a jail in the city’s European district under heavy police escort.
Local media reported 48 other suspects were also taken into custody over alleged corruption in Istanbul’s municipal council. With İmamoğlu incarcerated, the city’s council—dominated by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)—must now select a temporary replacement to run the municipal government.
In court, the mayor categorically denied all charges. “Together, hand in hand, we will repel this blow and wipe out this dark stain on our democracy; I stand tall and will not give up,” he posted on Twitter.
“You will be defeated by our honesty, courage, humility, and a smile. To my dear nation, do not be sad or discouraged—never lose hope,” the CHP politician added, calling on supporters to continue peaceful protests.
Mass protests erupt
Imamoglu’s arrest—widely viewed as a direct move against Erdoğan’s leading challenger—ignited unprecedented public demonstrations across Turkey.
On Saturday, thousands gathered outside Istanbul’s courthouse and city hall to voice outrage over the arrest. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds throwing firecrackers and other objects.
Clashes also erupted in Izmir and the capital, Ankara. Officials say more than 300 people have been arrested since the protests began.
CHP primary and presidential election
Turkey’s first-ever party primary was held Sunday by the CHP to decide its 2028 presidential nominee. Party leader Ozgur Ozel announced nearly 15 million votes cast nationwide.
İmamoğlu is the only declared candidate for the main opposition party.
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Source: Reuters, Polskie Radio 24, RMF24