Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained in a pre-dawn police raid, facing dual charges of corruption and terrorism in what appears to be an escalation following yesterday's revocation of his university diploma. Police surrounded his home while simultaneously detaining his press advisor Murat Ongun and dozens of others in what prosecutors described as investigations into "aiding PKK/KCK terrorist organization" and financial impropriety.
The operation triggered immediate political turmoil, with CHP MPs occupying parliament's podium, mass protests erupting in Saraçhane and across Istanbul, and authorities implementing a four-day ban on public gatherings. Social media platforms experienced access issues as demonstrations spread.
By evening, authorities had seized İmamoğlu's construction company while CHP leader Özgür Özel directly challenged President Erdoğan from Saraçhane, where thousands gathered despite police presence. Pro-government media emphasized alleged corruption findings, while opposition sources framed the detention as political persecution of a potential presidential candidate.