The arrest of Istanbul’s popular opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption allegations has sparked widespread anger and protests in Turkey, with many accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government of political persecution.
Imamoglu, a key rival to Erdogan and the opposition’s likely candidate for the 2028 presidential election, was detained early Wednesday alongside more than 100 associates, many of whom are members of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The arrest has been widely criticized as a politically motivated move to stifle dissent.
“We’re living in a dictatorship,” said Kuzey, an Istanbul shopkeeper, as he opened his store near Taksim Square. “Whenever this guy and his dirty team see someone strong, they panic and do something illegal to him,” he added, referring to Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The detention has triggered protests, with hundreds gathering near police headquarters to chant, “Imamoglu, you’re not alone!” and “Government, resign!” Riot police armed with water cannons were deployed to Taksim Square, a historic site of anti-government demonstrations, to prevent large-scale protests.
Many Istanbul residents expressed frustration and fear over the arrest. “This is very bad, and I don’t know what will happen next. You never know what they’ll do,” said Mustafa, a passerby. Others, like Hasan Yildiz, a 63-year-old local, likened the arrest to a “coup” against the opposition.
The political turmoil has also impacted Turkey’s economy, with the Turkish lira hitting historic lows against the dollar and euro following the news of Imamoglu’s detention. “Foreign investors are not going to invest in Turkey anymore. Who would want to invest in a country without justice or rule of law?” Yildiz questioned.
The arrest has further deepened the political divide in Turkey, with critics accusing Erdogan’s government of undermining democracy and using the judiciary to target political opponents. Imamoglu’s detention comes just days before the CHP was expected to formally name him as its presidential candidate for 2028.
As tensions rise, many fear the situation will worsen, with economic instability and political repression becoming the new norm. “The situation is not going to get any better,” said Zeynep Kara, a 68-year-old protester.
