Istanbul, Turkey. Thousands of people gathered in central Istanbul on Wednesday to support jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu at an opposition rally, one year after his arrest on corruption charges. The rally was organised by his party, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Rally at city hall
Supporters waving red party banners and Turkish flags gathered at city hall. “Rights, law, justice,” the crowd chanted as Imamoglu’s wife spoke at the rally.
Crackdown and election backdrop
The CHP has been the target of what it described as an unprecedented judicial crackdown since late 2024, a development overshadowing Turkish politics ahead of elections expected by many to be held late next year. Imamoglu, the CHP’s presidential candidate, is now on trial in a corruption case that could end his bid to succeed President Tayyip Erdogan.
Ozel’s comments on candidacy
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel told Reuters he believed Erdogan wanted the CHP to withdraw Imamoglu’s candidacy, but said it would not, adding that 15 million people had expressed their support for Imamoglu as a candidate. Ozel said last week that Erdogan was using the courts to remove his rival and that there would be a price to pay, forecasting that the CHP would defeat Erdogan at the ballot box.
Government response and court independence
Erdogan and the government deny political interference and say courts operate independently. They have not commented on the arrest anniversary.
Case details and reactions
Prosecutors accuse Imamoglu, 55, of leading a criminal organisation through tender-rigging and bribery, charges he denies. His pre-trial imprisonment has drawn sustained protests from opposition supporters and criticism from rights groups, who say the case exemplifies the erosion of judicial independence in NATO member Turkey.
Polling and timing
Opinion polls show Imamoglu performing strongly against Erdogan in any presidential race, while polling also suggests a tight race between the secularist CHP and Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted AKP in parliamentary elections set to be held at the same time. Ozel said he expects pressure on the opposition to intensify ahead of elections, which he believes Erdogan will seek in late 2027.
What impact do you think Imamoglu’s trial and detention will have on Turkey’s next elections?
