Imamoglu’s arrest will not lead to trustee appointment for mayor’s office, says CHP

Following the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in an investigation related to corruption, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairperson Ozgur Ozel issued his remarks, calling the decision significant because it removes the possibility of a government-appointed trustee replacing the elected mayor.

The arrest was part of an ongoing corruption probe, while the court denied a separate detention request for “aiding an armed terrorist organization,” citing Imamoglu’s existing custody in another case.

Imamoglu was detained on allegations of “forming and leading a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “misconduct,” “unlawful recording of personal data,” and “bid rigging,” according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Since Imamoglu has not been actively arrested for a terrorism offense, the possibility of a trustee being appointed to the municipality has been ruled out. However, the possibility of a trustee cannot be ruled out completely.

‘Important that trustee appointment risk is removed,’ Ozel says

CHP leader Ozel stood alongside Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek Imamoglu, and their son, Selim, while awaiting the court decision.

Afterward, he stated, “The court ruled for his arrest, which is significant because it removes the possibility of appointing a trustee to govern Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. However, necessary appeals will be filed swiftly to restore the mayor’s freedom.”

“A deputy mayor will be appointed from within the municipality to serve until Mayor Imamoglu’s innocence is proven or his detention is lifted. Imamoglu is in very high spirits,” Ozel also added.

‘He was arrested because he would win the election’

In further remarks, Ozel stated, “Good day, everyone. Just now, Ekrem Imamoglu, the 26th Mayor of Istanbul, elected three times by the people, was arrested only because he defeated Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is expected to win again in the next election.”

Referring to the situation as a “double setup,” Ozel argued that the terrorism charges didn’t result in a detention order, but Imamoglu was arrested because of the “Corruption Department promotion file.”

Ankara mayor calls ruling ‘shameful’

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavas also criticized the arrest decision. “This is a disgrace to our country. We are ashamed on behalf of our legal system,” he said.

Yavas pointed to alleged breaches of legal procedure, including leaks from confidential investigations and restricted access to case materials for Imamoglu’s lawyers.

“We saw during the trial that the concept of investigative confidentiality was violated. Statements were leaked within minutes across Türkiye, and lawyers learned some details from TV,” he said.

“This shows that the matter is political,” he added.

‘Injustice sparked wider reaction,’ Yavas says

Yavas commented on protests that emerged following the arrest. “This is not just about Ekrem Imamoglu. Young people said so themselves. They protested the injustice present everywhere. This resistance, these demonstrations, the youth expressing their rights — all of this has opened everyone’s eyes,” he said.

Addressing the prosecution’s claims of flight risk and potential evidence tampering, Yavas responded: “A travel ban can prevent a flight risk. As for evidence, anyone with a grudge could falsely accuse someone else. These methods could be used against those promoting them in the future.”

Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications’ Center for Countering Disinformation has refuted social media claims suggesting a total ban on entering or leaving Istanbul, calling such reports false and manipulative.

According to a statement from the center, restrictions announced by the Istanbul Governor’s Office specifically target individuals, groups, and vehicles suspected of planning illegal activities and are designed to prevent public disturbances.

“These measures do not impact citizens’ regular travel, whether within Istanbul or between cities,” the statement clarified.

Yavas also noted the absence of an indictment and criticized the nature of the interrogation. “The questions were incomprehensible. Instead of being summoned to testify, they raided his house with 20 police vehicles. That shows the real intention,” he said.

Yavas: ‘Glad no trustee was appointed’

Yavas expressed relief that no trustee was appointed during Imamoglu’s absence. “I’m glad no trustee was appointed. I hope the detention decision is overturned on appeal. The presumption of innocence has been completely disregarded,” he stated.

‘No fear of investigation,’ Yavas says regarding Ankara municipality

When asked if the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality expects similar investigations, Yavas replied: “We’re not afraid of anything. I haven’t seen any CHP municipalities fear legal scrutiny. The real issue is being targeted with setups. Our record is clear. We hold open tenders and are building a system to eliminate corruption and waste. This was a warning shot. After this, no one will dare attempt such moves.”