The road to Imamoglu’s detention: A political timeline
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, used on 20 March, 2025, created in Ankara (Collage prepared by Türkiye Today team)
Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul’s mayor and a key opposition figure, has been at the center of multiple legal battles since his 2019 election victory. His recent detention on corruption and terrorism-related charges has sparked concerns and debates among the public again. Türkiye Today recounts the key developments that led to the day of his detention.
Delayed certification of election results (2019)
Imamoglu’s path to the mayoral office in Istanbul was fraught with obstacles. After winning the municipal elections in March 2019, the Supreme Election Council (YSK) annulled the results, citing irregularities. However, the rerun election in June 2019 saw Imamoglu secure an even larger margin of victory. This marked a significant political shift in Türkiye’s largest city, previously controlled by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) for decades.
Insult case against Ordu governor (2019)
Shortly after assuming office, Imamoglu found himself entangled in a legal battle. On June 5, 2019, his request to use the VIP lounge at Ordu-Giresun Airport was denied. During the incident, the mayor allegedly insulted the then-governor of Ordu, Seddar Yavuz. The accusation led to a legal case, with Imamoglu maintaining that he had merely criticized the governor’s conduct, stating: “The governor has acted improperly.”
Insult allegations against Supreme Election Council members (2019-2022)
Another legal challenge surfaced in November 2019, when Imamoglu was accused of insulting members of the Supreme Election Council (YSK). This case gained momentum over the years, culminating in a court ruling on Dec. 14, 2022. Imamoglu was sentenced to two years, seven months, and 15 days in prison, along with a political ban. The verdict was seen as a politically charged move, fueling debates about judicial independence in Türkiye.
Public tender case from Beylikduzu Municipality (2024)
In 2024, Imamoglu faced another legal hurdle, this time linked to his tenure as mayor of Beylikduzu, a district in Istanbul. He was accused of rigging a municipal tender by allegedly awarding it to a company that did not meet the necessary criteria. The case was heard on Oct. 2, 2024, but was postponed to a later date. The accusations further intensified discussions over the legal scrutiny faced by opposition figures in Türkiye.
Arrest of Besiktas Mayor and Erdogan’s warning (January 2025)
The political climate further escalated in early 2025 with the arrest of Besiktas Mayor Rıza Akpolat, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Following Akpolat’s detention, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a cryptic remark, stating, “The bigger ones are yet to come.” This statement was interpreted by CHP leader Ozgur Ozel as a direct threat, describing it as a “declaration of war” against the opposition.
The CHP, after a while, decided to hold primary elections to determine its presidential candidate. This move was seen as an attempt to consolidate party unity, strengthen the opposition’s stance, and counter efforts to undermine Imamoglu’s political standing.
Diploma revocation (March 2025)
On the evening of March 18, 2025, just a day before his detention, Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s diploma, citing procedural irregularities in his lateral transfer, a move that further fueled political tensions.
He first embraced the phrase ‘I entrust myself to my nation’ as a declaration of resilience that night, as an answer.
Imamoglu’s Detainment (March 2025)
On March 19, 2025, Imamoglu was taken into custody on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization in two different cases.
His detainment sent shockwaves through Turkish politics, with critics framing it as part of a broader crackdown on government opponents.
Supporters viewed the move as politically motivated, and protests erupted after the announcement of the decision.
The legal and political fallout from Imamoglu’s detention will likely shape the opposition’s strategy in the coming months, while the duration of his imprisonment and the course of action taken by his supporters will play a crucial role in determining the future of democracy in Türkiye.
