Turkish turmoil: Key opposition leader detained amid bans
The Turkish police have detained Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition mayor of Istanbul, who is suggested as a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. The previous day, the university revoked the diploma of Erdogan's chief rival. The Turkish authorities have introduced contentious bans.
What do you need to know?
- Arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu: Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested by Turkish police as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and connections to terrorism.
- Bans and restrictions: Authorities imposed a ban on organising demonstrations for four days and limited access to social media to manage the situation and prevent the escalation of social tensions following the arrests.
- Diploma issues: Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu's diploma, which prevents him from standing in the presidential elections.
According to the Anatolia news agency, Turkish prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for approximately 100 people, indicating a large-scale operation. Among those detained on Wednesday is Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political rival - Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prospective candidate for the presidency of Turkey.
Key rival of Erdogan arrested
The investigation pertains to alleged corruption and connections to terrorism.
The Turkish authorities, to avert potential protests following the arrests, closed several roads around Istanbul and implemented a four-day ban on organising demonstrations. Additionally, according to Reuters, access to social media platforms such as X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has been restricted.
The day before the arrest, Istanbul University revoked the diploma of Imamoglu, who represents the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). According to the authorities, there were "irregularities" during his transfer from one university to another several decades ago.
This action prevents Imamoglu from standing in the presidential elections, which are scheduled for 2028. According to Turkish law, possessing a university diploma is required to stand for president. Notably, it is possible that early elections may be organised in the country.
