Wed Mar 19 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu Arrested Amidst Crackdown

**Istanbul, Turkey** – Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan were arrested early this morning, sparking widespread condemnation and a government-imposed internet restriction. The arrests, part of a wider operation targeting over 100 individuals, are connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged links to the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The prosecutor’s office alleges that İmamoğlu and others, including İBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat and Reform Institute President Mehmet Ali Çalışkan, participated in “urban reconciliation” efforts following the 2019 local elections, activities the prosecution claims aided the PKK/KCK. The investigation reportedly also examines the role of İmamoğlu’s approval in selecting municipal council members.

Following the arrests, the Istanbul Governorship banned all gatherings, protests, and press statements for four days (March 19-23) in an effort to maintain public order and prevent potential provocative actions. Simultaneously, significant restrictions were placed on internet access, with widespread disruptions reported to social media platforms including Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, according to NetBlocks, an internet freedom monitoring organization. The Turkish government has yet to officially comment on the internet restrictions.

Mayor İmamoğlu, in a video message posted to social media before his arrest, denounced the action as a “great act of tyranny” aimed at undermining the will of the people of Istanbul. He vowed to continue his fight against what he described as those attempting to usurp the people’s will.

The arrests have been met with widespread concern about freedom of speech and political persecution. The opposition CHP party has strongly condemned the actions, while international observers are closely monitoring the situation for further developments. The investigation is ongoing.

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