Turkey: Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested in Istanbul – Vows to Fight Erdoğan

An arrest warrant was issued for Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his press advisor, Murat Öngün, following a large-scale anti-corruption operation. According to Turan Taşkın Özër, a CHP İstanbul MP, 20 police vehicles surrounded İmamoğlu’s home in Istanbul. Alongside İmamoğlu, 105 others were detained. In a video posted on social media, İmamoğlu stated that ‘the will of the people is under attack.’ He emphasized his intention not to bow down and vowed to continue fighting against Erdoğan. Hundreds of police officers reportedly gathered outside his residence. CNN Türk confirmed that police conducted a search at İmamoğlu’s house before arresting him. Serious charges are expected, including allegations of leading a criminal organization, bribery, rigging tenders, and supporting a ‘terrorist’ organization. Murat Öngün, Chairman of the Board of Media Inc. and İmamoğlu’s press advisor, wrote on X that despite the arrest, ‘all will be well.’ Among those arrested are journalists and businessmen allegedly involved in corruption scandals. Notably, İmamoğlu is accused of awarding a nearly 400 million lira contract to Acun Ilıcalı’s company, Creative Media in London, through IMM Media AŞ.