Imprisoned CHP Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu Slams Erdoğan Over New Wave of İBB Operations

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned a fourth wave of operations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), describing it as a politically motivated move to fill what he calls an “empty investigation file.”

Currently detained in Silivri’s Marmara Prison, İmamoğlu shared his message through his lawyers, as his personal X (formerly Twitter) account remains suspended. The statement was posted via his Presidential Campaign Office account, indirectly addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan without naming him.

“You keep launching new operations in waves, trying to strengthen your hollow case with fear, threats, and blackmail,” İmamoğlu said, adding:
“Inconsistency, fabrication, lack of seriousness — it’s all in you. You began this investigation eight months ago, arrested hundreds in just 70 days, and now you’re coercing confessions. This is nothing but an admission of weakness and lack of evidence.”

“You Will Be Defeated Either Way”

In a powerful concluding message, İmamoğlu wrote:

“You will be defeated — whether by this path or another. The children woken by dawn raids, the fearful mothers and fathers — their pain will defeat you. From the ballot box, you will face a slap so powerful, you couldn’t even dream of it.”

Context: Ongoing Government Crackdown on İBB

Earlier this morning, authorities launched the fourth phase of an anti-corruption operation allegedly ordered by the presidential palace. The investigation targets individuals affiliated with İBB, a major institution led by the opposition.

According to reports, 49 individuals were subject to arrest warrants. As of now, 45 people have been detained in various provinces including Istanbul, İzmir, Trabzon, Antalya, Tunceli, and Kocaeli.

The probe is widely seen by critics as politically motivated, aiming to weaken İmamoğlu and the opposition ahead of upcoming elections.