In dramatic rise in political tensions, Turkish police arrest Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan foe.
Another 100 others linked to the investigation have been placed under arrest, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The authorities have banned public demonstrations for four days and closed several streets in Istanbul to prevent trouble.
The arrest comes after the scandalous annulment of Imamoglu’s degree from university thus debarring him from ever running for president. Under the Turkish election law, a candidate needs to hold a valid university degree to stand for office. Istanbul University argues with irregularities in Imamoglu’s 1990 transfer from a private university in the north to claim his degree is invalid, and he says so will appeal. 
“We are in a great time of oppression, but I would like to inform you that I am not disappointing,” Imamoglu stated in a video message on social media, accusing the government of “usurping people’s will”.
Day before opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) primary, where Imamoglu was a strong contender in 2028 presidential election, arrest was made. His 2019 mayoral win was a significant blow to Erdogan’s ruling party’s 25-year hold on Istanbul. As the new legal struggles to begin with 2022 conviction appeal, Imamoglu’s political future is uncertain amidst worries about Turkey’s democratic freedoms.
