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He is the mayor of Istanbul and a leading figure in the opposition (Republican People’s Party, CHP).
He was elected mayor in 2019 and re-elected in 2024, delivering a significant setback to Erdoğan’s party (AKP), which had held the top position in Istanbul for three decades.
Fyi, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan served as mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998.
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In 2022, he was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison for insulting members of the Supreme Election Council after criticizing their decision to annul the first round of the municipal elections.
The conviction included a ban on political activity, which would prevent him from running in the 2024 municipal elections or even in presidential elections. İmamoğlu has appealed the ruling, and the sentence has been suspended.
The verdict is expected to be announced in early April.
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In the 2023 presidential election, opposition parties united against Erdoğan.
Despite his popularity, İmamoğlu was not the coalition’s presidential candidate due to his pending conviction.
However, he played a central role in the party’s election campaign.
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In January 2025, two criminal investigations were initiated against him for public statements regarding the procedures and individuals involved in the pending trials against him.
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Yesterday, Istanbul University annulled his degree, which prevents him from running in the 2028 presidential elections, as a degree is a legal requirement for all candidates.
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Today, he was arrested on charges of leading a criminal organization, corruption, and supporting “terrorism,” among others.
The CHP’s primary elections were scheduled for Sunday, where he was expected to secure his party’s endorsement for the upcoming presidential election.
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İmamoğlu faces serious charges. It is unclear how long he will be detained or when his trial will take place.
Despite a ban on gatherings in Istanbul for the next four days, the CHP is urging citizens to take to the streets in protest.
