Online Desk  :  President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized Turkiye’s main opposition party for using “theatrics” following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Erdogan accused the opposition of distracting the public from their own shortcomings and misleading the nation through political maneuvers. İmamoglu was detained on March 20, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and terror-related activities. Other prominent figures, including two district mayors, were also arrested. However, the government rejects claims from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) that the arrests are politically motivated, with Erdogan emphasizing that Turkiye’s judiciary operates independently.

Erdogan stated that the opposition failed to address the legal allegations and instead resorted to political slogans. “Whether it’s about the diploma issue or corruption, the opposition never responds to the allegations brought forward by the judiciary,” he said.Istanbul University recently revoked Imamoglu’s diploma, which could bar him from running for president in the future. He has vowed to challenge the decision. The president further dismissed the opposition’s arguments, accusing them of using internal issues as a diversion. “We have no time to waste on their theatrics,” Erdogan added.

In a separate investigation, prosecutors accuse İmamoglu of misusing his office for personal gain, including the improper allocation of government contracts. He is also accused of aiding the PKK, a Kurdish militant group labeled a terrorist organization by Turkiye and its allies. Omer Celik, spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), also defended the judicial process, rejecting claims that the arrests were politically motivated. He stated, “None of us have any information about the content of the criminal file.”