Istanbul Under Siege: 100 Days of Raids, Arrests, and Political Pressure on CHP-Led Municipalities

It has been 100 days since a sweeping series of investigations and arrests were launched against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) and affiliated institutions. The operations, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, have so far resulted in the detention of at least 264 people and the arrest of 156, including 11 CHP-affiliated mayors, prominent municipal bureaucrats, and close associates of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

The crackdown involves two main investigations: a financial crimes probe and a politically charged “urban consensus” investigation, both of which have ensnared leading figures in İstanbul’s municipal governance.

Allegations Range from Corruption to Terror Ties

Under the financial investigation, İmamoğlu and his circle face charges including organized crime leadership, bribery, embezzlement, tender manipulation, and data privacy violations. The urban consensus probe goes further, accusing İmamoğlu, Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, and campaign advisor Necati Özkan of aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization.

Detentions Based on Secret Witness Claims

The initial wave on March 19 led to the arrest of İmamoğlu, his media advisor Murat Ongun, Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık, and others. On March 23, 48 individuals were jailed under the financial probe, while Polat, Şahan, and Özkan were imprisoned under the “urban consensus” file. Notably, much of the prosecution rests on vague testimonies from eight anonymous witnesses, citing hearsay like “I heard,” and “I learned.”

Multiple Waves of Raids Across Municipal Institutions

The investigation soon expanded into a six-wave operation:

• April 26 (2nd wave): 52 individuals, including İSKİ General Manager Şafak Başa, İmamoğlu’s brother-in-law Cevat Kaya, and Gözdem Ongun, were detained.

• May 20 (3rd wave): The İBB Press & Public Relations Department was targeted; 13 were arrested.

• May 23 (4th wave): KİPTAŞ and İSTAÇ affiliates were raided. İmamoğlu’s chief of security, private secretary, and KİPTAŞ GM Ali Kurt were among 25 arrested.

• 5th wave: Seven suppliers working with Ağaç ve Peyzaj AŞ were detained.

• May 31 (6th wave): Based on the testimony of a released businessman, operations spread to Beşiktaş, Büyükçekmece, Gaziosmanpaşa, Avcılar, Ceyhan, and Seyhan, with 22 mayors and officials arrested.

İmamoğlu Silenced and Censored

Since May 8, İmamoğlu has been subjected to intense censorship:

• His X (Twitter) account was blocked by court order.

• Posters and banners featuring his image were banned across public transport, including metro, buses, and ferries.

• His attorney, Mehmet Pehlivan, was arrested while performing legal duties.

CHP Refutes Key Accusations with Evidence

Pro-government media have circulated various unsubstantiated claims. İBB has published official documents to counter what it calls a misinformation campaign:

• Claim: ₺560 billion in embezzlement.
  Fact: Total budget over 6 years was ₺497 billion, covering all expenses.

• Claim: İmamoğlu’s wealth increased.
  Fact: Asset declarations (2019, 2024) show no changes.

• Claim: 16 million users’ data sold.
  Fact: Only 3.5 million users, no data shared.

• Claim: Cash towers in staff homes.
  Fact: Old videos repurposed to manufacture false narratives.

• Claim: Illegal tenders via Medya AŞ.
  Fact: All affiliates audited by the Interior Ministry and Court of Accounts, with no fraud found.

Political Prisoners, Coercion, and Forced Confessions

CHP leaders claim many arrestees—especially women—are being pressured to confess under duress or face threats against family members.

“They’re threatening spouses and children. Some family members have also been jailed,” said İmamoğlu.

On June 5, İmamoğlu urged detainees:

“Protect your dignity and families. Sign false statements if you must—your children’s future matters more than my freedom.”

Exile, Health Risks, and Harsh Conditions

Many arrested officials were transferred from Silivri Prison to remote locations, some up to 488 kilometers away, hindering contact with lawyers and families.

• Former Medya AŞ Director İpek Elif Atayman was handcuffed during a 500 km journey to Afyonkarahisar and slept on the floor.

• Mahir Polat, with known heart disease, was released into house arrest only after public outcry.

• Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık, a cancer survivor, lost 18 kg in prison after his May 5 transfer to Buca, İzmir.

Opposition Fears Nationwide Crackdown

President Erdoğan, who had previously referred to the case using terms like “octopus” and “bribery network,” recently declared:

“It’s not just Istanbul—unfortunately, the situation is tragic in other cities too,” suggesting future raids may expand nationwide.