Turkey Detains Hundreds of Erdogan Opponents Amid Corruption Probe

Turkey Detains Hundreds of Erdogan Opponents Amid Corruption Probe
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Over 500 opposition figures, mainly from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), have been detained in Turkey in the past nine months in a sweeping corruption investigation, Reuters reported. At least 220 have been jailed, including 14 elected CHP mayors such as Istanbul’s Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main rival and presidential candidate. The probe, described by Erdogan as targeting a corrupt “octopus” network, has focused exclusively on CHP-run municipalities, which the party calls a political purge to eliminate democratic opposition.

The crackdown marks an unprecedented move against the CHP since Turkey’s coups in previous decades. Critics argue the investigation is politically motivated to weaken Erdogan’s main challenger ahead of future elections. Erdogan denies interference, insisting the judiciary is independent and the process is legal.

The investigation has expanded beyond Istanbul to other CHP strongholds like Izmir, Antalya, and Adana. Some suspects from the private sector have cooperated with prosecutors under leniency provisions. Despite ongoing arrests, no formal indictments have been issued yet.

The CHP rejects all corruption claims but has promised internal investigations after state media aired bribery footage involving a deputy mayor. The government denies targeting CHP exclusively, citing past probes into AKP officials.

The situation has sparked protests and raised concerns about Turkey’s democratic future as Erdogan consolidates power amid growing regional influence.