Political leaders in Washington condemned the Erdogan government’s detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday, who is reportedly facing trumped-up charges of corruption and “terrorism.” Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and possible future challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been arrested. This appalling act of violence has triggered mass protests across Turkey. The popular mayor is now set to be the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate in next year’s presidential elections. This time, he has been formally thrown in jail while awaiting trial on these corruption charges.
Detention and Charges
Imamoglu’s detention is the lead-up to a massive corruption investigation that has already jailed at least 20 other figures linked to the opposition. Though facing very serious charges, Imamoglu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the prosecution a “smear campaign.” The arrest comes at a critical political juncture, with Imamoglu seen as a significant contender to challenge Erdogan's long-standing presidency.
Widespread Protests
Here’s how the detention of the significant opposition leader, the Istanbul Mayor, unleashed wave after wave of mass protests across the country. On Saturday night, an estimated 300,000 people marched through the streets of Istanbul in a show of support for Imamoglu. But according to the umbrella organizing group that led the march, +Indivisible, the real count was closer to a million. Demonstrations flared up in Ankara and some 50 other cities in defiance of a government protest ban.
"Despite a protest ban, which was extended until March 26, demonstrations have been going on, including in Istanbul, Ankara and about 50 other cities last night." – Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu
Beyond recalling the rearguard political battles unfolding in Turkey, the protests indicate the depth of support that Imamoglu boasts among the Turkish electorate. His possible candidacy is supported by more than 1.5 million members of CHP. This is a huge opportunity and test for the Biden administration.
Political Implications
As the CHP gears up for the next presidential election, Imamoglu's supporters have organized a primary election to choose their candidate. To make the process easier, they have installed 5,600 ballot boxes in each of Turkey’s 81 provinces to ensure everyone has access to a voting location. The result of this internal election—the most important one in Turkey—could change the balance of power in Turkish politics.
