March 19, 2025, 1:15 PM | News ID: 85782946<\/em><\/p>\n The detention, reported by state media as part of investigations into corruption and terrorism, has sparked widespread controversy and heightened political tensions in the country.<\/p>\n In a video shared on X on Wednesday, Imamoglu, a prominent rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan, condemned the arrest. \u201cI am saddened to say a handful of people, trying to steal the will of the people, have implicated our dear police and security forces in this wrongful act,\u201d he told his supporters. The mayor, who addressed crowds in Istanbul as recently as January 31, 2025, now faces serious allegations that could derail his political ambitions.<\/p>\n According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Turkish prosecutors have accused Imamoglu and 100 associates\u2014including his press adviser, Murat Ongun\u2014of involvement in a criminal organization, as well as charges of extortion, bribery, and aggravated fraud. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office also alleges that Imamoglu has provided support to the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), both designated as terrorist groups by Turkey.<\/p>\n The CHP swiftly denounced the detention, labeling it \u201ca coup against our next president\u201d ahead of the party\u2019s primary election, where Imamoglu was widely expected to secure the presidential candidacy. In response to the arrest, Istanbul\u2019s governorship banned demonstrations in the city until March 23, citing the need to \u201cmaintain public order,\u201d according to CNN.<\/p>\n The political upheaval has triggered an economic fallout, with the Turkish lira plummeting to a record low against the U.S. dollar. Reports indicate the currency lost over 5% of its value against the dollar, euro, pound, and gold, reflecting growing instability.<\/p>\nTurkish authorities have arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu just days before his anticipated nomination as the presidential candidate for Turkey\u2019s main opposition party, the Republican People\u2019s Party (CHP). <\/h2>\n
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He says the nation will give the necessary response to those who set up conspiracies and traps, spread lies, violate the rights of others and usurp the will of the people.
\u201cFirst of all, I entrust myself to God, then to our nation,\u201d says \u0130mamo\u011flu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n