Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has denied allegations of terrorism and corruption leveled against him, as mass protests continue to sweep across Türkiye in response to his detention.

Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next election, was detained on Wednesday, just days before his Republican People’s Party (CHP) was expected to nominate him as its presidential candidate for 2028.

A court document seen by Reuters revealed that Imamoglu rejected the accusations during a hearing on Saturday. “I see today during my interrogation that I and my colleagues are faced with unimaginable accusations and slanders,” he said in his defence.

The mayor was transferred from police custody to judicial custody on Saturday, where he underwent a medical examination alongside 100 other individuals charged in the case.

He was later brought to the Caglayan courthouse for questioning by prosecutors. A judge is expected to decide on Sunday whether he will be released or remain in detention pending trial.

Rising political tensions

Erdogan, speaking on Saturday, accused the opposition party of shielding corrupt figures. “The CHP’s leadership has turned the party into an apparatus to absolve a handful of municipal robbers who have become blinded by money,” he claimed, adding that the party was “doing everything to disturb the public peace and polarize the nation.”

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc distanced the government from the legal proceedings, stating that the judiciary operates independently. “Linking investigations and cases initiated by the judiciary to our President is, at best, presumptuous and inappropriate,” he told reporters.

Protests sweep across country

Imamoglu’s detention has triggered widespread protests, with demonstrations reported in more than two-thirds of Türkiye’s 81 provinces, including traditionally pro-Erdogan regions such as Konya, Trabzon, and Rize.

Despite bans on protests and a heavy police presence, crowds have taken to the streets in major cities, with rallies entering their fourth consecutive night on Saturday. Security forces have cracked down on demonstrators, arresting at least 343 people so far.

Authorities have also launched an investigation into social media activity related to the protests. The Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office issued warrants for 94 individuals accused of posting “provocative” content aimed at inciting unrest. Police have detained 56 suspects in simultaneous raids, while efforts are underway to locate the remaining 38, according to Anadolu Agency.

As tensions rise, Imamoglu’s court appearance on Sunday is expected to be a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s escalating political crisis.