Authorities in Turkey have arrested dozens of individuals for “provocative” social media posts after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained on Wednesday. Imamoglu was among 106 people taken into custody on charges including corruption and aiding terrorist groups, a move that has triggered protests in both Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.
A member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), Imamoglu is a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was expected to be announced as the CHP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 elections later this week. His arrest has been condemned by critics as a “coup,” with plans for further demonstrations despite a four-day protest ban imposed by Istanbul’s pro-Erdogan governor.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated Thursday morning that police had identified 261 “suspect account managers” accused of posting content “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” or “incitement to commit a crime.” He reported that 37 individuals had been detained and efforts were ongoing to apprehend others. By 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) on Thursday, over 18.6 million posts had appeared online discussing Wednesday’s arrests.
A message from Imamoglu’s X account on Thursday urged the nation to “stand against this evil,” calling on the judiciary and members of Erdogan’s party to fight against injustice. “These events have gone beyond our parties, political ideals. The process is now concerning our people, namely your families,” he stated. “It is time to raise our voices.”
Despite Imamoglu spending his first night in detention, Istanbul’s municipal government remains under CHP control. His office has called for a second night of protests outside the municipal hall, while CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed supporters at a rally Wednesday night, urging them to “fill the streets.”
Imamoglu secured a second term as Istanbul’s mayor last year when the CHP won local elections in both Istanbul and Ankara, marking the first time Erdogan’s party had suffered a nationwide defeat at the ballot box. The results were seen as a personal blow to Erdogan, who began his political career as Istanbul’s mayor.
Erdogan, who has led Turkey for 22 years as both prime minister and president, is unable to run again in 2028 unless he amends the constitution. Meanwhile, the CHP’s presidential candidate selection, in which 1.5 million members are set to vote, is scheduled for Sunday. Imamoglu is the sole candidate. The party has also urged citizens to participate in a symbolic election, planning to place ballot boxes across the country for people to demonstrate their support for the detained mayor.
