Istanbul, Türkiye — Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on Sunday over corruption charges, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. The arrest comes amid his anticipated presidential candidacy for the 2028 elections.
Imamoglu faces serious allegations including bribery, corruption, qualified fraud, illegally obtaining personal data for profit, and tampering with a tender. The mayor had been interrogated at the Istanbul Police Headquarters since his detention on Wednesday, relating to investigations into terrorism and corruption.
After completing his interrogation, Imamoglu was escorted to the main courthouse under heavy police presence. He has denied all accusations against him.
In connection with the terrorism investigation, Imamoglu was released under judicial control. He is accused of aiding and assisting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the European Union, and the United States.
Earlier this year, Imamoglu announced his bid to become the presidential candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in the upcoming 2028 elections. The CHP is expected to officially declare its candidate following a party vote that took place on Sunday.
Imamoglu gained prominence after being re-elected as Istanbul’s mayor in 2024, securing a decisive victory over Murat Kurum of the ruling Justice and Development Party. His arrest has sparked widespread reaction and is being closely watched both domestically and internationally.
