Erdogan’s rival held on charges of graft

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been detained on charges of corruption, and it has unleashed protests in the city.

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He is seen as the chief rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their rivalry has been brewing for decades now.

Imamoglu supporters say that the charges are politically motivated. In an interesting parallel, Imamoglu’s political career is resembling that of Erdogan, who gained national prominence as mayor of Istanbul before becoming the president.

Like Erdogan, Imamoglu also comes from the Black Sea region of Turkey. Imamoglu represents the secularist Republican People’s Party (CHP), which is opposed to the religion-based politics of Erdogan and his Welfare and Justice Party (AKP), and he is set to challenge

Erdogan in the presidential election in 2028.

But Imamoglu faces many cases, including one saying that his business administration degree from Istanbul University is forged. The case is pending and if it is upheld, then Imamoglu would be disqualified from the presidential contest.