VIDEO - Turkey detains Erdogan's main rival on corruption, terrorism charges

Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the main political rival to President Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday, accusing him of corruption, aiding a terrorist group, and leading a crime organization.

Imamoglu, a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), faces multiple investigations, including charges related to bribery and rigging municipal tenders.

The detention comes just days before Imamoglu’s party was expected to officially nominate him as the challenger to Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey for over two decades. Imamoglu, who is seen as a strong contender in future elections, posted a defiant message on social media, vowing not to give up despite the mounting pressure.

The Istanbul prosecutor's office revealed that the first investigation involves 100 individuals, including journalists and businesspeople, suspected of involvement in criminal activities linked to municipal tenders.

A second investigation accuses Imamoglu and six others of supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.

Imamoglu’s detention follows a controversial move by Istanbul University to annul his degree, which, if upheld, would prevent him from running in the 2028 presidential election.

In response to growing tensions, the Istanbul governor’s office has imposed a four-day ban on meetings and protests in the city. The political climate in Turkey continues to intensify as Erdogan’s government faces increasing challenges ahead of upcoming elections.