ISTANBUL (AP) 鈥 Turkish police on Wednesday arrested Istanbul鈥檚 mayor 鈥 a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 鈥 as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and terror links, media reported.
The state-run Anadolu Agency said prosecutors issued warrants for some 100 other people. Authorities closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in an apparent effort to prevent protests following the arrest.
The arrest came after a search of Ekrem Imamoglu's home, a day after , effectively disqualifying the popular opposition figure from running in the next presidential race. Having a university degree is a requisite for running in elections under Turkish law.
The mayor鈥檚 party 鈥 the main opposition Republican People鈥檚 Party 鈥 is to hold a primary on Sunday where Imamoglu was expected to be chosen for its candidate in future presidential elections. Turkey鈥檚 next presidential vote is scheduled for 2028, but early elections are likely.
鈥淲e are facing great tyranny, but I want you to know that I will not be discouraged,鈥 Imamoglu said in a video message posted on social media. He accused the government of 鈥渦surping the will鈥 of the people.
In nullifying Imamoglu鈥檚 diploma, Istanbul University cited alleged irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its Faculty of Business Administration. Imamoglu said he would challenge the decision.
The opposition leader faces multiple lawsuits, including allegations of trying to influence a judicial expert investigating opposition-led municipalities. The cases could result in prison sentences and a political ban.
Imamoglu is also appealing a 2022 conviction of insulting members of Turkey鈥檚 Supreme Electoral Council, a case that could result in a political ban.
He was elected mayor of Turkey鈥檚 largest city in March 2019 in a historic blow to Erdogan and the president鈥檚 Justice and Development Party, which had controlled Istanbul for a quarter-century. The party pushed to void the municipal election results in the city of 16 million, alleging irregularities.
The challenge resulted in a repeat of the election a few months later, which Imamoglu also won. The mayor retained his seat following local elections last year, during which his party made significant gains against Erdogan鈥檚 governing party.
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Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey.
