ISTANBUL, March 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- Turkish authorities on Wednesday detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu just days before his anticipated nomination as a presidential candidate, people close to the opposition politician confirmed to dpa.
İmamoğlu was taken into police custody and was at police headquarters, an aide confirmed to dpa.
İmamoğlu was accused of, among other things, being part of a criminal organisation and corruption, Anadolu reported, citing the public prosecutor.
Police conducted a raid at İmamoğlu's residence in Istanbul at dawn in which riot officers were deployed, according to local broadcasters including CNN Turk.
İmamoğlu wrote on X that he would "stand tall" against what he called political pressure.
İmamoğlu, is widely seen as a potential challenger in Turkey's next presidential race.
On Sunday, he was set to be nominated as the presidential candidate for CHP, the main opposition party. The next presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled to take place in 2028.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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