Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been jailed pending trial on corruption charges, a Turkish court ruled on Sunday. The decision has ignited widespread protests across Turkey, with thousands taking to the streets in defiance of government bans.

Court Upholds Detention in Graft Probe, Rejects Terror Charges

An Istanbul court ruled that Imamoglu be remanded in custody on charges of establishing and leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, misconduct in office, unlawfully recording personal data, and bid rigging. The court cited "strong suspicion" of his involvement in financial crimes but declined to formally arrest him in a separate "terror" investigation, stating it was unnecessary at this stage since he was already detained for graft.

Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was arrested on Wednesday in connection with both probes. His detention has sparked four consecutive days of protests, with demonstrators clashing with riot police in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities. Police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to disperse crowds.

Protests and Arrests

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 323 people were arrested on Saturday evening alone, adding, "No attempt to undermine public order will be allowed!" This follows the arrest of over 340 protesters on Friday night. Protesters have rallied outside Istanbul City Hall, with organizers estimating around 300,000 participants on Friday.

The opposition has condemned Imamoglu's arrest as politically motivated, viewing it as an attempt to sideline a key challenger to Erdogan ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Imamoglu, who won the Istanbul mayoral election in 2019, is seen as Erdogan's most formidable opponent.

Imamoglu Defiant, Calls for Democratic Resistance

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Imamoglu vowed to resist the charges, stating, "We will, hand in hand, uproot this blow, this black stain on our democracy... I am standing tall, I will not bow down." He urged his supporters to remain hopeful and called on Turkey's 86 million citizens to "proclaim to the whole world the struggle for democracy and justice."

CHP Mobilizes Support

The CHP has set up symbolic "solidarity boxes" across Turkey, allowing citizens to show their support for Imamoglu. The party is also holding a primary to nominate him as its presidential candidate despite his detention. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, another CHP member, criticized the lack of confidentiality in the legal proceedings, stating, "Honestly, we are embarrassed on behalf of our legal system."

Broader Implications

Imamoglu's arrest has drawn international attention, with many viewing it as a sign of Turkey's deepening authoritarianism. University students and young protesters have been at the forefront of the demonstrations, expressing fears about the country's democratic future. The protests mark some of the largest acts of civil disobedience in Turkey in over a decade.

As the situation unfolds, tensions remain high, with the opposition vowing to continue its resistance. The case against Imamoglu is likely to further polarize Turkey's political landscape, setting the stage for a contentious battle ahead of the next presidential election.