Turkey in turmoil: Imamoglu detention sparks outcry

The detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, has sparked criticism from the opposition and human rights organisations. Emma Sinclair-Webb from Human Rights Watch described it as a "blatant abuse of the justice system." The Turkish opposition has labelled this move a "coup."

Emma Sinclair-Webb, the director for Turkey at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters in an interview that Imamoglu's detention is part of politically motivated efforts to weaken the opposition. She has called for the immediate release of those detained. The Turkish authorities reject these accusations, claiming that the judiciary operates independently.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) described Imamoglu's detention as a "coup against the next president" of Turkey. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel has called for the opposition to unite in response to these events. The CHP plans to present Imamoglu as a candidate in the 2028 presidential elections, where some polls show him leading over the current president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Imamoglu was detained in connection with corruption charges and alleged ties to terrorism. The prosecution reported that approximately 100 people, including journalists and businessmen, were detained on suspicion of involvement in a procurement-related crime. Imamoglu and six other individuals were accused of supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is recognised as a terrorist organisation.

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), criticised the detention's portrayal as a "coup," labelling it "political degeneration." In response to the detention, the governor of Istanbul has implemented a four-day assembly ban in the city.

The detention of Imamoglu, who has been the mayor of Istanbul since 2019, alongside the unfolding events, has sparked a broad debate about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. These events are being closely observed both domestically and internationally.