Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Detained Amid Terror and Corruption Investigations

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Istanbul‘s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained early Wednesday morning, following a police raid on his home. The operation is part of a broader investigation involving allegations of terrorism and corruption, which reportedly targets over 100 individuals, including high-profile politicians and business figures.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that two separate inquiries have been launched. The first is linked to a group referred to as “City Consensus,” where İmamoğlu and other suspects are accused of aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization. Allegations suggest that İmamoğlu, along with İBB Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat and Şişli Mayor Resul Ekrem Şahan, facilitated the employment of individuals connected to terror groups within municipal organizations.

In this investigation, authorities seek to detain seven individuals, including İmamoğlu, on charges of supporting terrorism through their roles in an scheme that purportedly increased the PKK/KCK’s influence in urban areas. Specific allegations include coordinating lists for municipal elections with the ideological backing of the organization.

The second investigation focuses on corruption, with accusations that İmamoğlu and his associates coerced business leaders into providing financial support, leading to unjust profit through fraudulent transactions. Notably, the investigation revealed that İmamoğlu allegedly appointed individuals he previously worked with during his tenure as Beylikdüzü Mayor into significant positions within the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB).

As the operation unfolded, thousands of police officers surrounded İmamoğlu’s residence. In a video message shared on social media, he expressed defiance against what he described as an assault on democracy, stating, “This is great tyranny, but I will not yield.” İmamoğlu emphasized his commitment to protect the will of the people of Istanbul.

Şişli Mayor Resul Ekrem Şahan also reported being detained, stating that law enforcement did not allow his legal counsel to attend the search at his residence. “Everyone should know, Ekrem İmamoğlu is not alone. He has the support of the people of Istanbul,” he tweeted.

Authorities conducted coordinated searches in various locations across Istanbul as part of the ongoing investigations. The public prosecutor’s statements indicated that the organization had been preparing to exert influence over local elections, specifically the 2024 municipal races.

As the scandal develops, leaders of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), are rallying support for İmamoğlu. CHP leader Özgür Özel has reportedly headed to Istanbul to stand in solidarity with İmamoğlu and challenge the government over the allegations of intimidation during an electoral process.

The implications of this investigation might lead to a severe political fallout, potentially paving the way for the appointment of a trustee to İBB, should the allegations be substantiated. As investigations continue, national and local reactions pour in, indicating both outrage and support for the embattled mayor.