Turkey Arrests CHP Mayors: Corruption Probe Deepens Political Tensions

Turkey Arrests CHP Mayors: Corruption Probe Deepens Political Tensions

Amidst rising political tensions, Turkish police have arrested five mayors from the opposition CHP party, along with 17 others, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within CHP-held municipalities.

The arrests, confirmed by a party spokesman, targeted a former lawmaker and three CHP mayors in Istanbul, and two more in the southern province of Adana.

This latest wave brings the total number of CHP mayors jailed in Istanbul province to nine, including Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival to President Erdogan.

The probe, initiated following court orders for 47 municipal officials, focuses on corruption allegations across four Istanbul investigations.

Imamoglu's previous arrest sparked significant street protests.

The CHP has nominated Imamoglu for the 2028 presidential elections, but his candidacy hinges on the outcome of ongoing trials and investigations.