Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu gather outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 19, 2025. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
ISTANBUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported.
The police teams are searching Imamoglu's residence, reported the Sozcu Daily newspaper.
"Hundreds of police have gathered at my doorstep. We are facing a great tyranny. I entrust myself to the nation," said Imamoglu from his residence in a video posted on X.
Meanwhile, Imamoglu's press advisor Murat Ongun was also detained, Ongun said in his statement on X.
The cause of the detentions was not immediately clear.
Imamoglu's undergraduate diploma was annulled on Tuesday as part of an investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office following reports alleging that his diploma was fake.
In February, the mayor officially applied to his Republican People's Party (CHP) to become the opposition party's presidential candidate. CHP is expected to announce its presidential candidate at its congress on Sunday following a vote by party members. ■
This photo taken on March 19, 2025 shows a poster of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Istanbul, Türkiye. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Police maintain order outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 19, 2025. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Police cars are seen near the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 19, 2025. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
This photo taken on March 19, 2025 shows the blocked Taksim Square in Istanbul, Türkiye. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
Police maintain order outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Istanbul, Türkiye, March 19, 2025. Turkish authorities issued a detention order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday and dispatched police forces to the mayor's residence, local media reported. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)