Police arrest Istanbul mayor and key Erdogan rival over alleged corruption and terror links
NBCMAR 16
Turkey: Istanbul Mayor Detained Over Graft, Terror Links
Above: Ekrem Imamoglu addresses the CHP leadership and parliamentarians on Feb. 27, 2025, in Ankara, Turkey. Image copyright: Serdar Ozsoy/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Imamoglu's detention is a coup, a politically motivated attempt to eliminate a strong opposition figure who poses a serious threat to Pres. Erdoğan's power, following Imamoglu's successful victories in local elections and growing popularity as a potential presidential candidate. However, he will not give in and stand resolutely for the people of Turkey and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide.
Right narrative
Imamoglu's detention shows that no one is above the law or exempt from accountability. The legal actions against Imamoglu stem from legitimate investigations into links to corruption and terrorism, with the courts operating independently and free from political influence. Opposing justice and law will invite chaos and violence and deal a blow to Turkey's progress toward becoming a terror-free country.