Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been detained as part of a corruption and bribery investigation, Turkish daily Hurriyet reported on Tuesday.
Authorities issued detention orders for 106 suspects, including Imamoglu, his press advisor Murat Ongun, and several other officials, over alleged irregularities in municipal tenders and bribery cases, according to the report. Imamoglu was taken to the Istanbul Police Headquarters on Vatan Avenue after undergoing a medical examination.
The investigation stems from allegations of illicit donations, money laundering, and fraudulent procurement processes linked to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) during Imamoglu’s tenure, Hurriyet said. The probe also involves accusations dating back to his time as mayor of Istanbul’s Beylikdüzü district.
In response, Istanbul Governor’s Office imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings and demonstrations across the city, citing security concerns.
Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel visited Imamoglu’s wife at their Sarıyer residence before heading to the IBB headquarters. He condemned the detentions, calling them a “coup attempt” against the people’s will.
Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas also criticized the move, denouncing it as an attack on democracy and the rule of law.
The detentions triggered a sharp market reaction, with the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index plunging 6.87% at opening, prompting a circuit breaker.
Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure, rose to national fame after winning Istanbul’s mayoral race in 2019, ending years of control by President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that evidence pointed to “systematic corruption” and “organized crime” involving the municipality. Investigations revealed fraudulent contracts, bribe payments, and kickbacks allegedly funneled to political allies, it said.
Imamoglu denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. “This is a blatant attack on democracy,” he said in a video shared from his home before being detained. “I stand tall for the people of Istanbul. We will not be silenced.”
Further developments are awaited as authorities continue questioning the suspects.