Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential candidate, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and terror links. The move comes just days after Imamoglu was stripped of his university diploma, effectively disqualifying him from running for president in the upcoming elections.

Imamoglu, a member of the center-left Republican People's Party (CHP), was detained early Wednesday and taken to police headquarters, according to reports from French AFP and German DPA news agencies. His detention follows a dawn raid on his Istanbul home as part of the probe.

The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors also issued arrest warrants for around 100 other individuals, including businessmen and journalists, in connection with the investigation. Authorities have imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations in Istanbul, ostensibly to prevent protests following the arrest. Additionally, internet monitoring group Netblocks reported that Turkey restricted access to multiple social media platforms early Wednesday.

Diploma Revocation Deals Blow to Presidential Ambitions

Imamoglu's detention comes a day after Istanbul University announced it was revoking his university diploma, citing "obvious errors" in the graduation records of 28 individuals, including the mayor. Under Turkish law, a university degree is a prerequisite for presidential candidates, effectively barring Imamoglu from running in the next election.

The CHP had been set to nominate Imamoglu as its presidential candidate this weekend. A popular figure in Turkish politics, Imamoglu has twice been elected mayor of Istanbul, in 2019 and 2023, defeating candidates from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Istanbul holds particular significance for Erdogan, who launched his political career as the city's mayor in the 1990s.

Imamoglu Vows to Continue Fight

In a post on his X account, Imamoglu vowed to remain steadfast despite the legal challenges. "The will of the people cannot be silenced through intimidation or unlawful acts," he wrote. "I stand resolute ... I stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms."

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel condemned the detention, calling it "an attempted coup against our next president." Human Rights Watch also criticized the move, with Turkey director Emma Sinclair-Webb describing it as a "flagrant abuse of the justice system" and part of a "pattern of politically motivated investigations" aimed at undermining the opposition.

Erdogan's Government Denies Political Motives

Erdogan's government has denied targeting political opponents, asserting that Turkey's judiciary operates independently. However, critics argue that the detention of Imamoglu and the revocation of his diploma are part of a broader effort to stifle dissent and consolidate power ahead of the next election.

Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics since becoming prime minister in 2003, must hold elections before 2028 if he seeks to run again under the constitution. The detention of his chief political rival has raised concerns about the state of democracy and rule of law in Turkey, with many viewing the developments as a critical test for the country's political future.

As tensions rise, the international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, calling for transparency and the protection of democratic principles in Turkey.