Turkish Authorities Arrest 18 Istanbul Officials on Corruption Charges
On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and leading presidential contender from the Republican People's Party (CHP), was also detained on separate charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist groups.
ERBIL (Kurdsitan24) — A Turkish court on Friday ordered the arrest of 18 officials from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The arrests, reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency, are part of a wider investigation into alleged corruption and misconduct in municipal governance.
The latest move comes amid heightened political tensions in the country. On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and leading presidential contender from the Republican People's Party (CHP), was also detained on separate charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist groups. İmamoğlu has rejected all allegations, calling them politically motivated.
The CHP had been expected to nominate İmamoğlu to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming elections, with recent polls showing him in a competitive position. His arrest has triggered widespread protests in major cities and added pressure to Turkey's already strained economic environment.
According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, 52 individuals have been detained for questioning in recent weeks, with several already sentenced as the crackdown continues.
Responding to public concern, the judiciary issued a statement affirming its neutrality: “We are independent and impartial,” it said, amid growing criticism from protesters who claim the legal process is being influenced by political interests.
The unfolding events mark a pivotal moment in Turkish politics, with observers closely watching the implications for democracy, judicial independence, and the nation’s political future.
