From winning elections to facing jail time—how Istanbul’s mayor became Erdogan’s prime target.
In 2019, Ekrem Imamoglu, a fresh face in Turkish politics, shocked the nation by winning Istanbul’s mayoral election. But his victory was short-lived. Authorities annulled the results, claiming minor technical issues. Imamoglu didn’t back down. He called the election board “idiots” and won again in a landslide re-run. This defiance caught President Erdogan’s attention—and the legal battles began.
Legal Onslaught Begins
Soon after his victory, Erdogan vowed Imamoglu would “face consequences.” Prosecutors charged him for insulting officials, leading to a prison sentence. Despite this, Imamoglu’s popularity soared. In 2024, he was re-elected, dealing another blow to Erdogan’s ruling party.
But the crackdown intensified. New charges emerged—corruption, influencing judges, even aiding terrorists. Last week, police arrested him, sparking nationwide protests.
Ironically, Erdogan himself was jailed in 1999 for reciting a controversial poem. He later rose to power. Could history repeat itself? Analysts say Imamoglu’s legal woes might only strengthen his appeal.
What’s Next?
With Imamoglu jailed and protests growing, Turkey’s political future hangs in the balance. Will Erdogan silence his rival, or will this backfire? One thing is clear: Imamoglu isn’t giving up.
Also Read: Lira Plummets, Stocks Crash: Turkey’s Economic Crisis Deepens Amid Protests
