Erdoğan’s chief rival arrested in Turkey’s presidential elections

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has decided to arrest 105 public officials and political activists, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, NTV says.

As reported, the mayor’s press secretary, Murat Ongun, has also been detained. The law enforcement has begun a search at the official’s residence.

Ekrem İmamoğlu is known for his opposition views and is considered the main challenger to Turkey’s current President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in potential snap presidential elections that may take place in 2027.

Recently, at the request of the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, Istanbul University retracted İmamoğlu’s diploma. İmamoğlu initially studied at one of the universities in Northern Cyprus before moving to Istanbul, although at that time, the educational institution was not officially recognized. In Turkey, only citizens with higher education are eligible to run for president.