Turkey Seizes Imamoglu's Construction Company Amid Expanding Legal Probe
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, by Turkish authorities sparked widespread reactions and protests across several Turkish cities.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Turkish authorities have seized the construction company owned by detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities.
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office announced the seizure of Imamoglu's construction and trade company, citing accusations that include "leading a criminal organization," "membership in a criminal organization," "extortion," "bribery," "aggravated fraud," "illegal acquisition of personal data," and "bid rigging."
In addition, Imamoglu and several other officials, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat and Şişli District Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, face separate allegations of "assisting the PKK or KCK terrorist organizations."
Legal Turmoil and Property Seizure
Following a request from the prosecutor's office, a criminal court approved the confiscation of Imamoglu's company. This move marks a significant escalation in the legal case against the prominent opposition figure.
The controversy surrounding Imamoglu has intensified, with Turkish authorities also targeting his educational credentials. Istanbul University recently announced the revocation of degrees from 28 individuals, including Imamoglu, citing " That his certificate was invalidated due to absence and he was given the certificate due to a clear error." This decision has fueled further speculation regarding the political motivations behind the legal actions.
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, by Turkish authorities sparked widespread reactions and protests across several Turkish cities on Wednesday.
The move came amid escalating political tensions, with hundreds taking to the streets to denounce the arrest, which is widely viewed as part of a broader campaign targeting opposition figures in the country.
Background of the Arrest
Turkish security forces arrested Imamoglu and his media advisor on Wednesday morning, in a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. Murat Ongun, Imamoglu’s media consultant, confirmed the arrest in a post on the social media platform X.
Live broadcasts showed a heavy police presence outside Imamoglu’s residence, where officers conducted a thorough search. Despite the pressure, Imamoglu vowed to stand firm, stating, “I will not surrender to these pressures. The people’s will shall prevail.”
Before his arrest, Imamoglu left a handwritten note that read:
“Our nation will respond firmly to conspiracies, lies, and the usurping of people's rights. I entrust my fate first to God, then to my nation. With sincere regards.”
In a defiant video posted shortly before his detention, Imamoglu said, “Hundreds of police officers are at my door. I surrender myself to the people.”
Political Repercussions and Erdogan’s Response
The arrest has triggered a wave of criticism against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with accusations of weaponizing the judiciary to silence opposition voices. Erdogan’s office, however, condemned what it described as a “smear campaign” against the president.
Fahrettin Altun, the head of Turkey’s communications directorate, defended the government’s actions, stating that “the opposition's attempts to undermine the judiciary are politically motivated.” He further warned against spreading misinformation and urged the public to rely on official statements.
Altun reiterated the importance of respecting judicial decisions, emphasizing that the courts operate independently and are committed to upholding justice.
A Longstanding Political Battle
Imamoglu, a key opponent of Erdogan, was re-elected as Istanbul’s mayor in 2024, strengthening his political stature. His arrest comes amid speculation that he could challenge Erdogan in the 2028 presidential elections.
This is not the first legal challenge Imamoglu has faced. In 2022, he was sentenced to over two years in prison and banned from political activity on charges of “insulting” members of Turkey’s election board. Imamoglu appealed the verdict, but the case remains unresolved.
As the legal battle continues, the arrest and subsequent actions against Imamoglu are seen as a critical test for Turkey’s judicial independence and democratic institutions.