Istanbul: Turkish police arrested on Wednesday Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent rival of Turkish President Erdogan. Turkish media reported that Imamoglu was detained on charges of "corruption" and alleged terror links.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Imamoglu stated on X that he would not surrender and would continue standing straight in the face of pressure. His press advisor, Murat Ongun, also confirmed on X that Imamoglu was being held without giving a reason.
The detention came hours after Istanbul University revoked his undergraduate degree, as he faces multiple investigations and legal cases ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Imamoglu is also appealing a 2022 conviction of insulting members of Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council, in which he was sentenced for two years and seven months.