Turkish authorities arrested President Tayyip Erdogan’s leading political rival on Wednesday on accusations that include corruption and aid to a terrorist group, in what the opposition party called “an attempt to blow against our next president.”
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the People’s Republican Party (CHP) faces two separate investigations that also include accusations of leading a criminal organization, bribery and bid fraud.
IMAMOGLU’s party was ready to name it as an Erdogan opponent candidate, who govern Turkey for over two decades. The mayor of two terms is seen as a candidate future elections.
In a video shared at X, Imamoglu said he would not give up and remain firm in the face of pressure.
According to a statement by the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office about the first investigation, a total of 100 people, including journalists and entrepreneurs, are suspected of being involved in criminal activities related to certain bids granted by the municipality.
He said a second investigation accused Imamoglu and six others of helping the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), considered a terrorist organization for Türkiye and its Western allies.
The arrest occurred one day after Istanbul University annulled the diploma of Imamoglu, a factor would prevent from running in presidential elections. The next vote is scheduled for 2028, but should occur before if Erdogan wants to compete again.
Istanbul’s governor’s office decided to ban all meetings and protests in the city for four days.
This content was originally published in mayor of Istanbul is arrested on charges of assistance to terrorist groups on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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