Erdogan's biggest rival arrested, Turkey blocks social networks

Turska the police arrested the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular opposition leader and key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as part of an investigation into "corruption and links to terrorism."

This is a dramatic escalation in the government's crackdown on opposition and dissenting voices in Turkey, writes the AP agency.

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and about 100 other people. Among those detained is Imamoglu's close aide Murat Ongun.

Authorities closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent protests after the arrests, the AP added.

Critics say the operation follows significant losses for Erdogan's ruling party in March elections, with growing calls for early national elections.

State officials say the courts act independently and reject claims that legal actions against opposition figures are politically motivated.

The arrest was made during a search of Imamogu's home, but it is not yet clear whether police seized anything from there.

The mayor's wife, Dilek Imamoglu, told the private Nau television that the police arrived at their house before dawn and that the mayor was taken away around 7.30:XNUMX am.

The university revoked Imamoglu's degree yesterday, disqualifying the popular opposition politician from running in the next presidential election. A university degree is mandatory for standing for election under Turkish law.

Access to social networks blocked after Imamoglu's arrest

Turkish authorities have imposed restrictions on access to social networks, including X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 100 others, Netblocks said.

Opposition leader Imamoglu was arrested during a search of his house as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and links to terrorism, AP reported. More than 100 other people were also arrested, including the mayor's assistant, Murat Ongun.

Although the authorities claim that these actions are legally based, the opposition sees them as politically motivated. Shortly after the arrest, shares in the Turkish stock market fell by seven percent, causing a temporary halt in trading.

In addition, Turkish authorities blocked traffic on several streets in Istanbul and banned protests for four days to prevent possible demonstrations.

Source: Tanjug / Beta