Why the Arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Has Sparked Mass Protests Across Türkiye

Mass protests have swept across major cities in Türkiye following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu – a popular opposition figure and the only politician in recent memory to repeatedly defeat President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling party at the ballot box.

İmamoğlu, often described as Erdoğan’s most formidable rival, was detained last Wednesday (March 19, 2025) after prosecutors issued arrest warrants for him and over 100 others. Authorities allege the Istanbul mayor is involved in a sprawling corruption case and accuse him of forming an alliance with Kurdish groups banned by the Turkish state.

But many in Türkiye aren’t buying the official narrative.

On Saturday night, thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Istanbul, Ankara, and other cities. They carried signs and chanted slogans demanding justice, not just for İmamoğlu, but for the country’s embattled democratic institutions.

Who Is Ekrem İmamoğlu?

A 53-year-old businessman-turned-politician, İmamoğlu was relatively unknown nationally when the pro-secular Republican People’s Party (CHP) tapped him to run for Istanbul mayor in 2019. Critics were skeptical, but his charisma and message of unity resonated with voters, and he pulled off what many called a “political miracle.”

İmamoğlu defeated Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) not once, but three times in local elections – first in the contested 2019 Istanbul vote, then again in a repeat election after the initial result was controversially annulled, and most recently in 2024 when the CHP made sweeping gains nationwide amid soaring inflation and public discontent.

His political rise has made him a prime target for Erdoğan and his allies, especially with presidential elections looming in 2028. Many analysts say İmamoğlu’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown aimed at sidelining key opposition figures before they can mount a serious challenge to the president, who has ruled Türkiye for over two decades.

The Charges Against Ekrem İmamoğlu

According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, İmamoğlu and more than 100 associates are under investigation for alleged racketeering, bribery, and other financial crimes. The probe also includes accusations that he collaborated with the pro-Kurdish HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party), which Turkish authorities claim is linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) – designated a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies.

İmamoğlu has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. His supporters say the case is a clear attempt to disqualify him from running for president in 2028.

A Broader Movement in the Streets

While İmamoğlu’s arrest sparked the protests, many demonstrators say their outrage extends far beyond one man.

Protests first erupted on Wednesday – the day İmamoğlu was taken into custody – as students and activists gathered at Istanbul University. Since then, the demonstrations have spread rapidly, culminating in Saturday’s mass mobilization, the largest yet.

What’s Next? 

The court’s ruling on İmamoğlu’s case will be a critical test for Türkiye’s judiciary and for the country’s democratic future. If found guilty, he could face prison time and be barred from running for public office.

But on the streets, one message is already clear: this is no longer just about one politician – it's about the direction of a nation.