Turkish prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a major political opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with around 100 others.
The move comes just days before the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) was expected to nominate Imamoglu as its presidential candidate.
Authorities took action after Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s university degree, citing irregularities. Under Turkish law, a presidential candidate must hold a valid degree, effectively disqualifying Imamoglu from running. The mayor has strongly condemned the decision, calling it illegal and politically motivated. He vowed to challenge it in court, saying those responsible would face justice.
Live footage from Istanbul showed a heavy police presence outside Imamoglu’s residence, with riot police and security vehicles stationed nearby. Speaking in a video posted on social media, he accused the government of trying to suppress democracy, stating that his home belonged to the people of Istanbul and that the authorities were attempting to steal their will.
Imamoglu won Istanbul’s mayoral seat in 2019 in a historic defeat for Erdogan’s ruling party, breaking its decades-long control over Turkey’s largest city. His popularity has positioned him as a strong contender in the next presidential election, which is officially set for 2028 but could be held earlier.
The detention order has sparked political tensions, with opposition figures calling it an attempt to eliminate Erdogan’s strongest rival. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as legal and political battles unfold.