Imamoglu accused of being leader of criminal network, detained with 6 others
Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu meets with his party's mayors, in Ankara, Türkiye, June 5, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued detention orders for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and six others on charges of “aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization,” officials announced Wednesday.
Prosecutor’s office cites alleged links to terrorism-linked political activities
According to the prosecutor’s statement, the investigation centers on allegations that Imamoglu and other suspects knowingly participated in the “urban consensus” initiative, which authorities claim was aimed at increasing the influence of the PKK/KCK terrorist group in metropolitan areas during the March 31, 2024, local elections.
The prosecutor’s office further alleges that PKK/KCK leaders Cemil Bayik and Mustafa Karasu issued pre-election directives through media outlets affiliated with the organization.
The investigation also reportedly identified connections between the Istanbul municipality and the HDK, a political platform linked to the PKK/KCK.
Municipal officials among those detained
The individuals facing detention orders include:
- Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) mayor
- Mahir Polat, IBB deputy secretary-general
- Resul Emrah Sahan, mayor of Sisli
- Mehmet Ali Caliskan, Reform Institute president
- A.B., an alleged fugitive PKK/KCK ideological operative
- H.A., a former Spectrum House employee accused of recruiting for the PKK/KCK
- Ebru Ozdemir, Sisli deputy mayor
Authorities allege that these individuals were involved in facilitating employment for PKK/KCK-affiliated individuals within municipal subsidiaries such as the Istanbul Planning Agency and BIMTAS.
Investigation into alleged terrorism affiliations continues
The prosecutor’s statement claims that several individuals who were appointed as municipal council members or deputy mayors under the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) had ties to the PKK/KCK.
Authorities report that 18 municipal officials have been detained in related investigations, while additional suspects remain under scrutiny.
The Istanbul Counterterrorism Division has been instructed to carry out coordinated arrests, searches, and evidence seizures as part of the ongoing probe. Officials have not yet confirmed how many of the named suspects have been taken into custody.
No immediate statement has been released by Imamoglu or the other individuals named in the investigation.
