The arrest order, issued by a judge in Istanbul, came amid a wave of widespread protests across Turkey condemning Imamoglu's detention. The mayor was accused of "irregularities" in his handling of municipal contracts and "terrorist propaganda" - charges that his supporters decry as fabricated attempts to remove a powerful political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party.
The controversy began last week when Turkey's Interior Ministry suspended Imamoglu from his post as Istanbul mayor, along with the mayors of two other Istanbul districts. This action was taken under Article 127 of the Turkish constitution, which allows for the temporary removal of elected officials facing criminal investigations.
In response, Istanbul's city council convened an emergency session and elected a temporary replacement mayor to fill Imamoglu's role. However, Imamoglu has refused to back down, defiantly calling the move an "attack on democracy" and urging all 86 million Turkish citizens to "fill the ballot boxes and raise their voices against injustice."
The fallout from Imamoglu's arrest has ignited a groundswell of public anger that has extended far beyond just his supporters. Protests have erupted in over two-thirds of Turkey's 81 provinces, with demonstrators - including many apolitical young people and university students - voicing their outrage at what they see as the government's blatant abuse of power.
The broader significance of this crisis lies in the potential long-term implications for Turkish democracy. Imamoglu was widely viewed as a rising political star and a formidable challenger to Erdogan's dominance. His detention appears to be an attempt by the president and his party to eliminate a potent electoral threat ahead of next year's presidential and parliamentary elections.
The outcomes of this crisis remain highly uncertain. Imamoglu's supporters have vowed to continue their protests, raising the specter of sustained civil unrest. The government, for its part, has signaled its intent to press ahead with the prosecution, potentially leading to a drawn-out legal battle.
Ultimately, the fate of Ekrem Imamoglu and the future of Turkey's fragile democracy hang in the balance. This crisis has laid bare the deep divisions and power struggles within the country, and its resolution will have profound consequences for the country's political trajectory in the years to come.
Turkish court formally places Istanbul mayor Imamoglu under arrest on corruption charges
Following a warning from the Supreme Council of Radio and Television, Turkish television channels have stopped live broadcasts from the sites of rallies, protests and from the Palace of Justice in Istanbul, where a court decision on the preventive measure for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is expected.
Over 300 people have been detained, one police officer was attacked with acid, reports say.
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