Istanbul mayor arrested days before likely presidential nomination
Turkish police on Wednesday arrested Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, state-run media reported, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and terror links.
The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors also issued warrants for 100 other people. Authorities closed several roads around Istanbul and banned demonstrations in the city for four days in an apparent effort to prevent protests following the arrest.
Imamoğlu posted a video on Wednesday morning apparently reacting to the move, with the caption 'A blow to the will of the nation'.
Imamoğlu, 53, 'was detained and is now at police headquarters' a press aide told Agence France-Presse. The aide did not have permission to speak to the media so asked not to be named.
At the same time, Netblocks internet observatory said Turkey had restricted access to multiple social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is scheduled to hold a primary election on 23 March, at which Imamoğlu was expected to be chosen as its presidential candidate. The next presidential vote is scheduled for 2028, but early elections are likely.
The arrest followed a search of Imamoğlu's home on Tuesday, which came a day after a university invalidated his diploma, in effect disqualifying the popular opposition figure from running in the next presidential race. Having a university degree is a prerequisite for running in elections under Turkish law.
Istanbul University nullified Imamoğlu's diploma, citing alleged irregularities in his 1990 transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its faculty of business administration. He called the university's decision 'illegal', insisting it does not have the authority to cancel the diploma. The university's move has been widely perceived as politically motivated.
'The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near. The march of our people, who are thirsty for justice, law, and democracy, cannot be stopped,' he wrote on X.
He later also suggested the decision was made under pressure from Erdoğan's government and raised concerns about the judiciary's independence. He said that he planned to challenge the decision.
'What will I do next? I will keep running like a lion. There's no stepping back, I'll run even harder,' Imamoğlu said.
Wolfango Piccoli, of the Teneo political risk advisory firm, said the diploma's annulment indicates that Erdoğan recognises he cannot secure an election victory.
'The decision to revoke Imamoğlu's diploma goes beyond merely undermining a fair electoral race by removing the strongest opponent,' Piccoli wrote in an emailed note. 'It reflects the boldness and power to dictate what is real and what is not by controlling the state apparatus.'
Imamoğlu has faced a series of legal challenges. In 2022, he was convicted of insulting members of Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council in a case that could result in a political ban. He is appealing against his conviction.
He faces multiple other lawsuits, including allegations of trying to influence a judicial expert investigating opposition-led municipalities. The cases could result in prison sentences and a political ban.
He was elected mayor of Turkey's largest city in March 2019 in a historic blow to Erdoğan and the president's Justice and Development party, which had controlled Istanbul for a quarter-century. The party pushed to void the municipal election results in the city of 16 million, alleging irregularities.
The challenge resulted in a repeat of the election a few months later, which Imamoğlu also won. The mayor retained his seat following local elections last year, during which his party made significant gains against Erdoğan's governing party.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
My grandmother grew up brushing her teeth with radioactive toothpaste
Yes, I did listen to a bit of radio. Even a spot of Radio 4 comedy. Brave, I know, but I do like policeman turned comedian Alfie Moore's It's a Fair Cop (currently broadcast on Monday nights in the 6.30pm slot). But nothing serious. Nothing with any gravitas. Or nearly nothing. I did stumble on the latest series on Radio 4's The History Podcast. Well, I say, stumble but, actually, I was given a nudge by its producer. Read more I'd rather slept on Joe Dunthorne's current series Half-Life. I think I'd read the words 'Nazi Germany' in the blurb and decided it wasn't for me. How much Nazi Germany do you need, after all? But that really wasn't what Half-Life was about, as the arresting opening line testified: 'My grandmother,' Dunthorne began, 'grew up brushing her teeth with radioactive toothpaste.' Strong opener. Better still was the information that it was his grandmother's father who had made said toothpaste. Half-Life is a family biography that - like all family biographies - weaves into the flow of history. Dunthorne's great grandfather was a Jewish chemist working in a poison gas lab with the Nazis. And that is just the start of it. All episodes are available on BBC Sounds and The Road Through the Mountains, the episode that aired on Radio 4 this week (on Wednesday) was a particularly tough listen. At the heart of it was a telling of the story of the Dersim Massacre in Turkey in 1937 and 1938, when the Turkish government killed thousands of civilians during a Kurdish rebellion; 14,000 is the government figure. Others suggest the death toll was three or four times that number. 'That's why most people say the river was flowing blood,' Dunthorne's guide told him. 'It was not water, it was just blood.' To escape the Nazis, Dunthorne's family had fled to Turkey. His great grandfather may have helped the Turkish government buy chemical weapons from the Germans. Poison gas was then used to kill those who had fled into the mountains. History, Dunthorne is telling us here, leaves a stain on those who come afterwards. In Half-Lifee you can hear it in his voice. Over on 6 Music Tom Robinson was celebrating his 75th birthday on his Now Playing show on Sunday evening. The BBC's present was to take the slot away from him. Mary Anne Hobbs is taking over this weekend. Tom Robinson celebrated his 75th birthday (Image: BBC) Robinson, who has been occupying Sunday night on 6 Music for the last 14 years - in fact he's been a regular on the station for 23 years, all told - drolly opened proceedings by playing Here's Where the Story Ends by The Sundays. What followed was an understandably slightly self-indulgent two hours in which he played quite a few of his own songs - as requested by his listeners - and, for the most part, displayed a commendably stiff upper lip. He did admit that the whole thing was a little bittersweet, though he encouraged his listeners to tune in to Hobbs's show when it started. At least there were plenty of birthday/farewell messages from his fellow 6 Music DJs and the odd musician - Lauren Laverne, Nithin Sawhney, Jason from Sleaford Mods and Peter Gabriel most notably. Tony Blackburn - still going strong at 82 - also offered his congratulations, as did The Blue Nile's Paul Buchanan. The latter was presumably prompted by that old social media meme of Robinson dancing around the studio to Tinseltown in the Rain. Understandably. That tune is one of 20th-century Scotland's greatest gifts to the world. I was at best an irregular listener to Now Playing, but rather like the late Annie Nightingale, it was always clear Robinson had built up a real rapport with his audience. We're promised a 'borderless spectrum of music' on the new Mary Anne Hobbs show. That's her USP, of course. But is that what listeners want at teatime on Sunday? Time will tell. Listen Out For: Bill Dare: Comedy Alchemist, Radio 4, Thursday, June 12, 6.30pm Talking of Radio 4 comedy … This tribute programme celebrates the career of the late radio and TV comedy producer Bill Dare, creator of The Mary Whitehouse Experience and Dead Ringers. Dare was killed in a motor accident earlier this year.
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Have you got nudes? What tourists need to know before going on holiday to the US
Thinking of visiting the US? You might want to delete the nudes on your camera roll before you go — that's if you don't want a border control officer looking at them, anyway. Under Trump's recent 'enhanced vetting' executive order, travellers are being reminded that border agents can – and do – search phones and laptops. Scrutiny is ramping up big time at the US border, with some being denied entry and even detained due to their digital content. On Wednesday, the US president resurrected a controversial travel ban from his first term in the White House: a proclamation that bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. It's not something any of us want to think about before a holiday, but if you are stopped by a border agent, what are your rights? And do you have to hand your phone over? Metro asked the experts. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Yes, and they don't need a warrant to do so. CBP agents have the legal authority to search electronic devices at the border: that's phones, laptops and tablets. This includes reviewing text messages, social media activity, photos, emails and even your browser history. In March, an unnamed French scientist was denied entry to the States after airport immigration officers searched his phone and found messages critical of the Trump administration. Last month, Turkish-American streamer Hasan Piker claimed he was detained and questioned for two hours by US Customs and Border Protection agents at Chicago's O'Hare Airport after returning from France. He said agents interrogated him about his political views, including his stance on Trump and Gaza. Piker said the questioning felt 'deliberate'. The searches are intended to verify identity and assess any potential security risks. But the fact is, if you've got nudes anywhere on your phone, they can be found, even if accidentally. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video However, immigration lawyer Dr Jennifer Obaseki tells Metro that concerns are growing about the right to privacy. She asks: 'At what point does the US government feel they can overstep in restricting non-citizens' freedom of political expression, and therefore take that additional step to deny entry? It feels like a stretch on the authority they have, if not an abuse of power.' Dr Obaseki also notes that many of the people who have been interrogated or turned away at the US border have been vocal about the Trump administration and Gaza. The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects people from random and arbitrary stops and searches. However, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the federal government claims the power to conduct certain kinds of warrantless stops within 100 miles of the US border. So, if you have anything NSFW on there, you might want to think about clearing it up. Technically, no. But what happens afterwards depends on your immigration status. US citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be legally denied entry if they refuse to unlock their devices. Non-citizens, including tourists and visa holders, may be refused entry if they don't provide access to their device. And Dr Obaseki says this is more likely than not. 'Non-US citizens who are denied entry will typically be immediately removed. If it's in relation to digital content, though, the officer dealing with you would have to justify the decision,' she says. 'They have to give you a reason – whether they feel that you or the content that you hold shows that you have an intention to cause some kind of security risk, or because of any criminal history. If you don't have a criminal history, they have to consider you or your content as a risk.' If you agree to hand over your phone, the ACLU recommends that you enter your password yourself. Turning off Face ID or fingerprint beforehand can help protect your privacy, too. According to Dr Obaseki, if you have anything questionable on your phone, leave it at home. Simple as. You can always have your phone sent to you, or load your content in the cloud, and use a basic device during your time in the US. 'It's better to have yourself through customs and immigration, rather than have questions and challenges at immigration,' Dr Obaseki says. British travellers must also make sure they have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is permission to enter the US, before travel. And Dr Obaseki warns there is no formal appeal process for visa denials. However, there are preparations you can put in place to make potential challenges easier. 'At the point of entry, have someone on standby,' she advises. Meaning, if you're going to be landing and you have someone in the US expecting you, ask them to meet you at the airport. If you provide border agents with the password of your device – or if you don't have one – they can conduct an immediate 'basic search'. This usually means browsing through your texts, photos, apps and social media posts. The ACLU says they might also download the full contents of your device and save a copy of your data. Agents have been required to return your device before you leave the airport since 2018. They could, however, choose to do an 'advanced' or 'forensic' search. This is when they hold onto your device for five days to conduct a thorough search. Agents can keep it for longer due to 'extenuating circumstances', when the period is extended by seven days each time. The ACLU says they have received reports of phones being held for weeks and even months. Should you leave the airport or other border checkpoint without your device, the ACLU advises getting a receipt. This will include information about your device and contact information to follow up. If your denial is linked to digital content or social media associations, Dr Obaseki says you have to think carefully. 'Ask yourself, if somebody has made a decision and made notes about me, who else is going to see them? How long are they going to be stored on my record?' She stresses that there could be a knock-on effect on future travel. Plus, there's no real transparency on how the content taken is going to be used against you. For example, what if a family member goes travelling, will they connect that person to you, and subsequently deny them entry? Dr Obaseki repeats: 'The basis for which the searches are being made must be properly written down so that they can be challenged if they're wrong. If you're denied entry due to being at a university where there was a particular demonstration, for example, that doesn't mean you were automatically associated.' In relation to your online presence, the expert says that the US Department of State, which handles visas and immigration abroad, are now working with social media companies to conduct these screenings. 'Before you go about getting your visa application, they are looking at your handles to find whether you should be allowed to come in,' she explains, adding that this expanded screening is going to step up more in June. 'The justification for that is because Trump has said he is going to be tough on immigration,' she adds. With more reports of travellers being questioned, turned away or detained at US airports, many are thinking twice about visiting. Dr Obaseki says we are likely to see more refusals over the next couple of months, and until the end of the Trump administration. 'We'll then have more cases which we can vet and analyse, and then use to advise people,' she says. According to a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the US is projected to lose around $12.5 billion (£9.4 billion) in international travel spending this year, largely due to concerns over increased security. Many are opting out of visiting, citing fears of invasive searches, the possibility of being refused entry or being detained at the border. More Trending Still, the US is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, a major draw which is predicted to bring in millions of tourists. However, easing airport security measures doesn't seem to be on the cards ahead of the event. Vice President JD Vance recently joked about deporting football fans who overstay their welcome at a recent press conference for the World Cup. ]'We'll have visitors from close to 100 countries. We want them to come,' he said. 'But when the time is up, they'll have to go home.' The ACLU advises taking precautions to ensure travelling goes as smoothly as possible, when it comes to keeping your devices safe. Here are some of the tips outlined on its website: Let officers know if you have privileged material on your device Travel with as little data and as few devices as possible Encrypt devices with strong and unique passwords and shut them down when crossing the border Store sensitive data in end-to-end encrypted cloud-storage account and remove any sensitive data from your device Upload sensitive photos on your camera to your password-protected laptop or a cloud storage account Keep devices off. If you must turn them on, ensure that they are in airplane mode, with both WiFi and Bluetooth disabled Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Trump warns that Putin wants revenge for Ukraine's drone attacks MORE: Expert reveals clues that Trump and Musk's relationship was doomed from the start MORE: Women who have a miscarriage in West Virginia could be prosecuted
Spectator
3 days ago
- Spectator
This is a dangerous moment for free speech
Britain without blasphemy laws is a surprisingly recent development. Blasphemy was abolished as a common law offence in England and Wales only in 2008 and in Scotland in 2021. But that was the final burial of a law dead for much longer. The last execution for the crime was in 1697; the last imprisonment in 1921; and the last successful trial in 1977 – Mary Whitehouse's prosecution of Gay News for publishing a poem about a centurion's rape of Christ's corpse. Even if 11 local councils banned Monty Python's Life of Brian two years later, the trend since has been towards trusting that the Almighty is big enough to fend for himself. Yet this week the clock seemed to have been turned back to around ad 650. Hamit Coskun was convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence motivated 'by hostility towards… followers of Islam'. His crime? Setting fire to a Quran, shouting 'fuck Islam' and declaring the faith a 'religion of terrorism' outside the Turkish consulate. The Crown argued Coskun's demonstration could not have been peaceful, since it provoked a Muslim man to attack him. The alternative explanation – that Coskun had, in a rather regrettable way, proved his main point, eluded the professionals of Lord Hermer's Crown Prosecution Service. Coskun was originally charged with the exciting new crime of harassing the 'religious institution of Islam' – treating a faith with 1.9 billion followers like someone with hurt feelings. Although that charge was not pursued, the eventual ruling's impact is effectively the same. Henceforth, anyone criticising a religion is at the mercy of the tender sensibilities of any bystanders.
