İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and dozens of others were arrested on Wednesday in a large-scale police operation, with the authorities accusing the mayor of leading a criminal organisation and aiding terrorism. The arrests, carried out in the early hours, have sparked a political firestorm in Turkey, where opposition figures say the charges are politically motivated.
“We are facing great oppression, but I want you to know that I will not give up. I entrust myself to my nation,” İmamoğlu declared in a video statement, condemning the police raid on his home. “I will continue to fight against that person and his mentality that has used this entire process as a mere tool,” he said, referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
İstanbul’s Chief State Prosecution announced that İmamoğlu, was being investigated for “leading a criminal organisation”, and was accused of offences including bribery, fraud and bid rigging, with 105 others also under investigation for related charges. In a separate case, he and eight others face charges of “aiding the ‘PKK/KCK [Kurdistan Workers’ Party / Kurdistan Democratic Communities Union]’ terrorist organisation”, through alleged involvement in a political coordination effort during the local elections of 31 March 2024, in which İmamoğlu was elected mayor of İstanbul for a second time.
The prosecution’s statement alleged that “İmamoğlu and other suspects knowingly participated in the ‘urban consensus’ initiative to increase the PKK/KCK’s influence in metropolitan areas, including determining municipal council lists with the approval of terrorist organisation leaders.”
Among others detained were Murat Ongun, İmamoğlu’s press advisor, as well as senior officials of İstanbul municipality, including Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat and Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan. The arrests come amid growing tensions between the opposition-run municipalities and Erdoğan’s government.
The investigation follows leaked footage circulating under the title “Counting cash in the CHP”—a video purportedly showing cash transactions within the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), of which İmamoğlu is a member. The prosecution claimed that witnesses have alleged İmamoğlu and others pressurised businesspeople for illicit payments, laundered money through fake transactions, and manipulated municipal contracts for personal enrichment.
“The ongoing investigation has established that İmamoğlu, who has been surrounded by his loyal associates since his time as Mayor of Beylikdüzü, a district of İstanbul, has formed a network within the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality to sustain and expand their illegal activities,” the prosecution statement read. It alleged that individuals close to İmamoğlu directed public contracts to businesses under their control and siphoned funds through fraudulent invoices.
İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure also seen as Erdoğan’s potential main competitor in future elections, has repeatedly dismissed the accusations as being politically driven. His election victory of 2019 dealt a symbolic blow to Erdoğan’s ruling party, and his re-election in March strengthened his position within the opposition.
The arrests have drawn widespread condemnation from opposition politicians and rights groups, who argue that the charges are an attempt to undermine democracy and suppress dissent.
Meanwhile, police searches were conducted at multiple municipal offices and private residences. The authorities have not yet announced when the detainees will appear in court.
