Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoğlu, has been arrested in Turkey days before he was expected to be nominated as leader of the country’s opposition party.
A prominent rival of the current president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Imamoğlu was taken into custody by Turkish police officers on Wednesday following an alleged crackdown on corruption and terror links.
A further 100 arrest warrants have also reportedly been issued, with journalists and business people among those wanted by the police.
Roads have also been shut, social media restricted, and demonstrations have been banned across the Turkish city in an attempt to prevent protests from erupting over the arrests, which some argue could be politically motivated.
Imamoğlu’s arrest marks what some see as a further escalation in government crackdowns on dissent across Turkey.
Addressing his detainment, Imamoğlu said on social media that this was “a blow to the will of the nation”.
“The will of the people cannot be silenced through intimidation or unlawful acts,” he said. “I stand resolute, entrusting myself not only to the 16 million residents of Istanbul but to the 86 million citizens of Türkiye and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide. I stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms.”
It comes days before the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was due to hold its primary election, where many expected Imamoğlu to be nominated as the party’s president.
In recent days, he’s faced further challenges, including Istanbul University revoking his university degree - a prerequisite needed for running for president in Turkey.
Political figures and human rights organisations have condemned Imamoğlu’s arrest, branding the move an attempt to undermine the opposition party three years before the next presidential election.
Emma Sinclair-Webb, the Human Rights Watch Turkey Director, told Reuters it was a "flagrant abuse of the justice system".
In the last few years, Imamoğlu has faced a number of legal challenges that have jeopardised his political career, including allegations of trying to influence a judicial expert, which could result in jail time.
Turkey’s constitution limits a president to two terms, meaning that Erdoğan is expected to leave office following his current term.
However, some reports suggest that he may attempt to push through an early election or potentially change the constitution.
