Türkiye Suspends Imamoglu from Istanbul Mayorship Amid Corruption Allegations
"Ekrem Imamoglu's role as Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has been suspended," The Turkish Ministry of Interior announced.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Turkish Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the suspension of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu following a court ruling that sentenced him to prison on corruption charges.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed that Imamoglu has been officially relieved of his duties. "Ekrem Imamoglu's role as Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has been suspended," the statement read.
Earlier on Sunday, a Turkish court sentenced Imamoglu to prison on corruption allegations. The decision followed the prosecution’s request for his formal arrest, which was submitted early Sunday morning.
Intensified Legal Pressure on Imamoglu
According to Turkish media, Imamoglu underwent five hours of interrogation on Saturday, just a day after a separate four-hour questioning session over corruption accusations and alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye and its Western allies.
The Cumhuriyet newspaper reported that Turkish authorities accused Imamoglu of supporting the PKK, a charge he firmly denied. His legal team has described the allegations as politically motivated, highlighting the timing just days before Imamoglu was expected to be nominated as the main opposition candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.
Nationwide Protests Erupt
The suspension and subsequent arrest of Imamoglu have triggered mass protests across major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, chanting against the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and accusing the government of using the judiciary to eliminate political rivals.
Clashes erupted between protesters and police, with security forces using tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the detention of 97 demonstrators and reported injuries among 16 police officers.
Erdogan's Response
Erdogan has rejected the accusations of politically motivated actions, insisting that the judiciary operates independently. In a defiant speech, Erdogan accused the opposition of exploiting Imamoglu’s legal troubles to incite unrest.
“An anti-corruption operation in Istanbul is being used as an excuse to create chaos on the streets,” Erdogan declared. “We will not allow a handful of opportunists to disrupt the stability of our nation.”
The president warned that further protests would not be tolerated, reiterating that legal processes should be respected.
A Pivotal Moment for Türkiye
As Türkiye braces for further political and social turmoil, the fate of Imamoglu remains uncertain. Observer warn that his removal from office could pave the way for the appointment of a “trustee mayor” by the government, a move that would likely inflame public anger.
With Erdogan facing mounting criticism from both domestic opposition and international observers, the unfolding situation in Türkiye has emerged as a significant test of the country’s democratic institutions and judicial independence.