Main opposition vows to ‘erase AK Party from Türkiye’s history’ over Besiktas mayor’s arrest

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel delivered sharp criticisms of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration during a protest on Jan. 13 evening.

The demonstration was sparked by the arrest of Besiktas Municipality Mayor Riza Akpolat, who faces charges of alleged membership in a criminal organization, bid rigging and illicit wealth acquisition.

Akpolat’s detention is part of a broader investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

A total of 47 individuals were detained in connection with allegations that a criminal organization bribed officials to secure public tenders.

CHP stages protest in response to arrest

The CHP organized a ‘democracy vigil’ outside the Besiktas Municipality building to protest Akpolat’s arrest.

Joining the crowd, Imamoglu and Ozel both delivered speeches condemning the move and accusing the government of politically motivated actions against opposition figures.

Imamoglu declared the CHP’s intent to resist these actions, saying, “We will give a political response to political attacks. We won’t let them manipulate the ballot box or create an uncontested competition. Together, we will erase them from Türkiye’s history and send them home.”

He criticized the legal standards applied in the case, specifically questioning whether similar scrutiny would be directed at the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s tender processes.

Referring to Akpolat’s arrest, Imamoglu described it as “an assassination of reputation and an abuse of judicial power for political ends.”

Ozel alleges broader targeting of opposition

CHP leader Ozel followed Imamoglu’s remarks, framing the arrests as part of a broader strategy to undermine opposition-controlled municipalities.

He argued that the arrest of Akpolat reflected a pattern of politically driven judicial actions, accusing the Erdogan administration of protecting allies while targeting critics.

“CHP appointees do not flee,” Ozel stated.

Ozel also suggested that the ultimate target of these actions was Imamoglu himself: “If they think they can bring down Ekrem Imamoglu, whom they’ve never defeated in his political career, they are sorely mistaken. This won’t be easy,” Ozel added.