Mayor Iklem Imamogur, one of Turkey's most prominent opposition politicians, was arrested on charges related to corruption and terrorism on Wednesday morning, city prosecutors said.
A large group of police officers arrived at Imamoguru's house, took him away, and many of his aides were also taken into custody. Prosecutors said arrest warrants were issued to more than 100 people.
Imamoguru has been seen as a potential competitor in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 2028, but there is likely to be an early election. Figures from him and other opposition accused the government of Receptacle Tayyip Erdogan's government of trying to remove Imamogul from politics, perhaps to prevent him from appearing in the election against Erdogan himself.
In a video posted on social media before his arrest, Imamoguru accused the government of “taking people's will.”
“We are facing a great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,” he said.
This is a developing story.
