Erdoğan pledges to uncover criminal ties in Istanbul mayor probe

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, commenting on the probe into detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, vowed that the long arm of the law would reach a criminal network allegedly linked to opposition-run municipalities.

Speaking to members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, Erdoğan accused opposition figures of using recent unrest to cover up corruption, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

"The events of the past 10 days and the street terrorism we have witnessed are nothing but an attempt to conceal theft. As the investigation progresses and deepens, the long arm of the law will undoubtedly reveal the extent of this criminal organisation’s reach within municipalities," Erdoğan said in a video message released by his administration.

The case against Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure, has sparked protests across Türkiye, with critics accusing the government of using legal pressure to sideline political rivals ahead of key elections.

To recall, Imamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential contender, was detained on March 19 on charges related to terrorism and corruption. His arrest has sparked widespread protests, with his supporters and opposition groups alleging political motives behind the case.

Despite restrictions imposed on March 21, including road closures around City Hall in Istanbul, demonstrators have continued gathering for several nights. Similar protests occurred in other cities, including Adana and Trabzon, Imamoğlu’s hometown. 

In some areas, clashes broke out between security forces and demonstrators. Police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse crowds in Ankara and Izmir, and over 100 individuals were detained.

By Aghakazim Guliyev