Ekrem İmamoğlu: jailed rival to Turkish president who could emerge stronger

Istanbul mayor has become the only politician capable of challenging Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the ballot box

When crowds of police arrived at the residence of the Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, to arrest him in a dawn raid last week, his response was calm and deliberate. The mayor of Turkey’s largest city – a longtime rival of the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – issued a video message to his supporters, filming himself as he put on a crisp white shirt and tie to be dressed for his detention.

“A small group is trying to usurp the will of the people,” he said. “I will stand strong.”