Istanbul court orders Ekrem İmamoğlu's detention

On March 23, an Istanbul court ruled to detain Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. According to the court decision, İmamoğlu will remain in custody until the case on corruption charges is heard in court.

Opposition and public opinion

The court's decision has sparked widespread debate in Turkey. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavos called it "a disgrace to the judicial system." İmamoğlu's arrest comes as protests in his support continue across Turkey.

Hundreds of people have been arrested in the protests that have been ongoing since March 19. On March 22, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikoy announced that 323 people had been arrested during protests in Istanbul and other cities.

Imamoğlu's political activities

Ekrem İmamoğlu is one of the leaders of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). He was seen as the main opponent of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the 2028 presidential election.

2019 - İmamoğlu was elected mayor of Istanbul.

2019 - The Central Election Commission annulled his victory, but he won by an even larger margin in a rerun.

2024 - İmamoğlu was re-elected mayor of Istanbul.

Arrest and degree controversy

On the morning of March 19, Turkish police arrested İmamoğlu and about 100 others. Among them were senior officials in the Istanbul administration and Murat Şengün, an advisor to the mayor.

Istanbul University also revoked İmamoğlu's degree, citing irregularities in 1990 when he transferred from a private university in northern Cyprus to its business administration department. A higher education is required to run for president in Turkey, which could affect İmamoğlu's chances of running in the election.

İmamoğlu's arrest and the controversy surrounding his degree are further fueling political tensions in Turkey. The opposition sees the process as a political attack by the Erdogan government ahead of the elections. The events could have a major impact on İmamoğlu's future political fate and the outcome of the 2028 elections. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”