In a letter to the New York Times titled “I am the main opponent of the president of Turkey. I have been arrested,” Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, details his arrest and asserts that his detention is simply one more example of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempting to quash dissent.
Imamoglu describes how armed police officers took him from his home on March 19, 2025, just days before a key primary election for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential nomination. Imamoglu claims the charges against him—corruption, bribery, and aiding a terrorist organization—are without merit and part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plan to eliminate political rivals. He points to the decline of democracy in Turkey, citing the suppression of opposing voices, manipulation of the legal system, and the imprisonment of journalists and protesters.
“The large-scale arrests of protesters and journalists in recent months have sent a chilling message: No one is safe,” writes Imamoglu. “Votes can be nullified and freedoms can be stripped away in an instant. Under Mr. Erdogan, the republic has been transformed into a republic of fear.”
Imamoglu’s arrest led to massive protests across Turkey, with tens of thousands taking to the streets every day for over a week straight. There have been thousands of arrests of protestors.
Despite being in custody, Imamoglu won the CHP primary that took place, with nearly 15 million votes cast, including 13.2 million from individuals not affiliated with the party, which Imamoglu says demonstrates widespread opposition to Erdogan’s leadership. The letter urges citizens to stand together to protect democracy in Turkey, and calls on the international community to speak out about the declining democracy.
Elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019, Ekrem Imamoglu represents the CHP, a major opposition party in Turkey. His victory was viewed as a considerable challenge to Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Since taking office, Imamoglu has faced he says around 100 legal challenges and investigations. Many observers agree these investigations are simply politically motivated attempts to weaken his position and influence.
Imamoglu’s recent arrest is part of a larger crackdown on dissent in Turkey, where Erdogan’s government has increasingly used authoritarian measures to maintain control. The widespread support for Imamoglu reflects growing frustration among the Turkish population regarding economic difficulties and the decline of democratic freedoms.
The situation has drawn several comparisons, including from Imamoglou, to Gezi Park protests in 2013, which began in response to government repression and led to widespread demonstrations against Erdogan’s policies.
As Turkey approaches potential early elections, the political situation remains tense, with the opposition seeking to unite and take advantage of public discontent.
