Background: Mayor’s Arrest and Corruption Charges

In a significant political upheaval, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was imprisoned pending trial on corruption charges, igniting widespread protests across Turkey. This decision was made by a Turkish court on March 23, 2025, and is seen as a challenge to President Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power for over two decades.

Mobilization of Protesters

The jailing of Imamoglu, who is regarded as Erdogan’s primary political opponent, has led to a surge of protest activity, the largest seen in more than ten years. Thousands gathered outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, uniting in their support for the mayor and denouncing the charges as politically motivated.

Imamoglu, defiant in the face of the allegations, referred to the accusations as “unimaginable” and called for nationwide protests, urging citizens to “rip away this coup, this dark stain on our democracy.”

National Reactions and Political Fallout

In response to Imamoglu’s imprisonment, the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), initiated polling stations for non-party members to express their support. This unprecedented move is interpreted as a measure to gauge Imamoglu’s popularity beyond party lines.

As protests continued, the Turkish government maintained that the judiciary operates independently and that the investigations are not driven by political motives. Despite this assertion, demonstrators clashed with police in various cities, and the authorities extended a nationwide ban on street gatherings.

The Legal and Economic Implications

Imamoglu faces multiple charges, including leading a criminal organization and embezzlement. His arrest comes amidst a broader crackdown on opposition figures, with nearly a quarter of the CHP’s municipal mayors currently detained. Economic markets are reacting negatively; the Turkish lira and stock values have seen substantial declines since the arrest, raising concerns about future stability.

Public Sentiment and Political Forecast

The public response has been robust, with thousands participating in protests that have remained largely peaceful despite instances of confrontation with law enforcement. CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel predicted a strong turnout for Imamoglu in upcoming solidarity voting, signaling potential support for him in future elections.

Despite no national elections currently scheduled until 2028, discussions surrounding early elections are gaining traction, particularly if the political climate continues to shift against Erdogan, who is reportedly lagging behind Imamoglu in some opinion polls.