Roads, stations and social networks blocked after Istanbul mayor's arrest

Authorities in Istanbul have blocked several streets and closed railway stations for the next four days following the arrest of the city’s mayor, the popular opposition politician Ekrem Imamoglu.

Until 23 March, all gatherings and demonstrations are prohibited “to maintain public order throughout the province and prevent possible provocations”, the governor's office said. Access to social networks and messaging services including X, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram has been restricted.

Imamoglu is considered one of the main opponents of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of corruption and membership of a criminal organisation. He is also accused of involvement with Kurdish terrorist organisations.

Economic impact

His party, the CHP, called it an attempted coup “against possibly the next president of the country”. The party was due to meet on Sunday to choose a presidential candidate, with Imamoglu expected to be chosen.

The arrest of Imamoglu, one of Erdogan's most important political opponents, has sent the Turkish lira reeling. The main index lost 6.9 per cent at its opening, causing trading to be suspended for a short time. When it reopened, the decline was 4.6 per cent.

The Turkish 10-year interest rate rose sharply and the lira lost 5 per cent against the dollar, falling to its lowest ever rate.

^{Police officers block a street close to the provincial police headquarters where Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is being held after his arrest, 19 March 2025 © PHOTO KEMAL ASLAN / AFP}