Wed Mar 19 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu Detained in Overnight Raid
**ISTANBUL, TURKEY** – Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained at his home early this morning, sparking widespread condemnation and a ban on public gatherings. The raid, involving hundreds of police officers, also resulted in the detention of Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan and several other individuals, including İmamoğlu’s press advisor Murat Ongun.
According to Demirören News Agency (DHA), a total of 100 suspects, including İBB officials and associates, are subject to detention warrants. Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that the arrests are connected to investigations involving alleged support for the PKK/KCK terrorist organization. These investigations reportedly involve claims of money laundering within the CHP party and matters related to “urban reconciliation.”
Mayor İmamoğlu, in a video message posted on social media, denounced the action as an attempt to usurp the will of the people and vowed to continue his fight against what he described as oppression. He stated that hundreds of police officers surrounded his home.
Following the detentions, the Istanbul Governorship issued a four-day ban (March 19-23) on all gatherings, demonstrations, and press conferences across the city, citing the need to maintain public order and prevent potential provocations. The detentions of Mayor İmamoğlu and others have already prompted widespread concern and raised questions about the political motivations behind the actions. The situation is rapidly evolving.
First Piper 