Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest could pose a serious challenge for President Erdogan
Democracy is increasingly under attack across the world. Turkey is the latest case in point where the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is out to weed out any opposition and would not mind even if it irks the people at large. Turkey is facing one of its most intense political crises in years following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key Opposition leader and major rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The arrest has sparked mass protests across the country, raising concerns about Turkey’s democratic future and stability. Imamoglu was arrested on corruption-related charges, including running a criminal organisation, bribery, extortion, bid-rigging, and illegal data collection.
His supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated and are part of Erdogan’s broader strategy to sideline a formidable contender for the 2028 presidential race. The Turkish government, however, denies any political interference, insisting that the judiciary remains independent. The timing is particularly significant, as it coincided with the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) holding a symbolic primary election to endorse him as their presidential candidate.
The arrest has triggered widespread protests across Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Riot police have responded with water cannons, tear gas, and plastic bullets, while demonstrators have fought back with stones. Despite the government’s vow to crack down on what it calls “street terror,” the protests continue to gain momentum. The opposition sees Imamoglu’s detention as an attack on democracy.
In response to the government crackdown, the CHP has set up nationwide ballot boxes for non-members to cast ‘solidarity votes’ in support of the embattled mayor. The international community has reacted strongly to Imamoglu’s arrest. The Council of Europe has condemned the move and called for his immediate release. Political analysts suggest Erdogan is attempting to eliminate his strongest opposition ahead of the next elections. Domestically, the case has rattled Turkey’s financial markets. Investors are increasingly wary of the country’s political instability, which could further impact Turkey’s struggling economy. This is not Imamoglu’s first legal battle. In 2022, he was convicted for allegedly insulting Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. More recently, a university nullified his degree over alleged irregularities, effectively barring him from running for president.
His political ascent has been a major challenge for Erdogan. He secured a surprise victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral elections, defeating Erdogan’s ruling AKP in a major blow. A rerun of the election only solidified his popularity, making him one of the strongest opposition figures in Turkish politics today.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has increasingly exhibited authoritarian tendencies, undermining Turkey’s democratic institutions. Over the years, he has consolidated power by curbing judicial independence, restricting press freedom, and suppressing political opposition. His government has jailed journalists, academics, and activists critical of his rule, while elections have been marred by allegations of unfair practices, media censorship, and crackdowns on rival parties.
The transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system in 2018 granted Erdogan sweeping executive powers, weakening checks and balances. Furthermore, his handling of protests, such as the Gezi Park demonstrations and the post-2016 coup purges, has drawn widespread criticism for human rights violations. These actions have significantly eroded Turkey’s democratic credentials, pushing the country toward an increasingly autocratic rule.
