In the early hours of Wednesday morning (March 19), Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was taken into police custody at his home. The mayor, seen by many as President Erdoğan’s strongest political challenger, had recently declared his presidential candidacy for the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). İmamoğlu had already been targeted by a growing list of investigations in recent months.

Three primary investigations were launched that target İmamoğlu and members of his inner circle. A total of 106 individuals, including the Istanbul mayor, were arrested early Wednesday. District mayors of İstanbul’s Şişli and Beylikdüzü districts were also arrested Wednesday morning.

1- Corruption investigation

A detention order was issued for Ekrem İmamoğlu that identifies him as a ‘criminal organization leader’ and includes 99 other suspects. ‘Bribery’, ‘illegal sharing of personal information’, and ‘corruption in awarding of tenders’ are included in the arrest warrant.

This investigation rests on a recently released video purporting to show CHP members counting cash........

© Medyascope