Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 100 others on Wednesday as part of two separate investigations involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB).

The operation included a search of Imamoglu’s home in the early hours, after which he was taken to Istanbul Police Headquarters for questioning.

The first investigation focuses on allegations of corruption, bribery, and tender irregularities tied to municipal contracts. According to the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, it involves 100 suspects, including journalists and businessmen, and centers on claims of organized crime, fraud, and bid tampering. Authorities allege that during Imamoglu’s tenure as Beylikdüzü mayor and later at İBB, contracts awarded through companies like Medya AŞ and Kültür AŞ were inflated, incomplete, or supported by falsified invoices. Financial reports from MASAK, alongside tax audits and other evidence, are cited in the probe.

A second investigation targets Imamoglu and six others, accusing them of providing support to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an organization classified as a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.

The detentions come shortly after Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s degree on Tuesday, a decision that, if upheld, could prevent him from running in the 2028 presidential election—or an earlier vote if President Tayyip Erdogan seeks re-election. Imamoglu, a key figure in the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has been viewed as a potential challenger to Erdogan, who has led Turkey for over two decades.

In response to the developments, the Istanbul governor’s office announced a four-day ban on all public meetings and protests in the city. Further details on the investigations and their outcomes are yet to emerge as authorities continue their inquiries. (ILKHA)