Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing criticism for what is being called a crackdown on opposition figures, after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, considered Erdoğan’s main rival, was detained on charges of corruption and links to terrorism.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention orders for İmamoğlu and 106 other prominent political figures, alleging offenses including bribery, embezzlement, bid rigging, aggravated fraud, and unlawful acquisition of personal data.

İmamoğlu is accused of collaborating with the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a Kurdish nationalist group that has been leading an insurgency against Turkey and is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union.

Critics are suspicious of the timing of the arrest of such a prominent opposition figure, especially given the recent losses of Erdoğan’s ruling party in local elections.

Sinan Ciddi, a nonresident senior fellow on Turkey at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, stated that İmamoğlu’s arrest is not a coincidence, as he is Erdoğan’s political rival and a potential presidential candidate, which has been a concern for Erdoğan.

Ciddi warned that the detention of political opponents signals the end of democracy in Turkey, suggesting that free and fair elections and peaceful transfer of power are no longer possible.

Turkish officials have refuted claims that the arrests are politically motivated.

A spokesperson from the Turkish Embassy in Washington directed inquiries to a statement from the Justice Ministry.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that associating judicial investigations with the President is an act of audacity and irresponsibility.

The statement added that the separation of powers is a fundamental principle in Turkey, and the judiciary is independent.

İmamoğlu expressed his gratitude to global leaders and members of the international community on X, pledging to continue fighting for Turkey’s democracy.

He affirmed his trust in the citizens of Istanbul and Turkey, as well as all those who support democracy and justice worldwide, and reiterated his commitment to defending fundamental rights and freedoms.

İmamoğlu, a member of the secular party, was elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, defeating Erdoğan-backed AKP candidates in both elections. He was considered the likely CHP nominee to challenge Erdoğan in the next presidential election, scheduled for 2028 or earlier if called.

Authorities imposed a four-day ban on public demonstrations to prevent backlash against the arrests. Özgür Özel, chair of the CHP, addressed large gatherings in Istanbul, calling for mass protests against what the opposition views as a violation of democratic norms.

Following the arrest, Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu’s diploma, which would disqualify him from running for president under Turkish law. İmamoğlu criticized the move as exceeding the university’s authority and indicative of political interference in academia.

Soner Cagaptay, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, noted on X that Erdoğan’s political career began as mayor of Istanbul in 1999 when he was imprisoned on charges of inciting religious hatred, which ultimately led to his rise in popularity and leadership of Turkey since 2003.

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