A Turkish court has ordered the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu while he awaits trial on corruption charges. His detention has sparked protests across the country.
The court in Istanbul ruled on Sunday that Imamoglu and at least 20 others would remain in custody as part of a corruption investigation. However, it did not pursue terrorism-related charges against him.
“There is strong suspicion of aiding an armed terrorist organisation. However, since he is already detained for financial crimes, further charges are unnecessary at this stage,” the court stated.
According to Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu, several others facing similar charges have been released until their trial.
Since the court did not charge Imamoglu with terrorism, the government cannot appoint a trustee to replace him. Instead, the municipal council will elect a new mayor. The Republican People’s Party (CHP), which holds a majority in the council, will make the decision.
“This benefits the CHP,” Koseoglu said.
Imamoglu response
After the ruling, Imamoglu vowed to resist the charges.
“We will, hand in hand, remove this stain on our democracy. I stand tall and will not bow down,” he wrote on X.
A key opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Imamoglu was arrested last Wednesday for alleged corruption and terrorism links. He has denied all accusations, calling them a “smear campaign.”
Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara and an ally of Imamoglu, criticised the ruling, calling it a disgrace to the judicial system.
The decision has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, European officials, and thousands of protesters. Many believe the case is politically motivated. The government denies any political interference.
On Saturday, President Erdogan accused the CHP of protecting corrupt officials and trying to divide the country.
Security measures and protests
Authorities have tightened security in Istanbul, expecting further demonstrations. Despite a protest ban until 26 March, rallies have taken place in Istanbul, Ankara, and 50 other cities.
Police estimate that 300,000 people protested in Istanbul on Saturday night. However, opposition sources claim the number was closer to one million. These figures could not be independently verified.
Political consequences
The ruling coincides with the CHP’s primary elections to select a presidential candidate for 2028. Imamoglu remains a strong contender. However, his political future is uncertain after Istanbul University annulled his degree, citing irregularities.
Under the Turkish Constitution, presidential candidates must hold a higher education degree. This raises concerns about Imamoglu’s eligibility.
In response to his detention, the CHP has encouraged public participation in its internal elections. The party has opened voting to non-members to increase support.
With over 1.5 million members, the CHP has set up 5,600 polling stations across Turkey’s 81 provinces. Voting will close at 14:00 GMT.
