Arrests of Three Opposition Mayors Highlight Turkey's Political Crackdown

In a significant escalation of political tensions in Turkey, authorities have arrested three mayors affiliated with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The arrests occurred on Saturday in southern Turkey, involving Abdurrahman Tutdere, the mayor of Adiyaman, and Zeydan Karalar, who governs Adana. Both were taken into custody during pre-dawn raids conducted by state security forces, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency. Additionally, Muhittin Bocek, the CHP mayor of Antalya, was arrested in connection with a separate bribery investigation, further intensifying concerns over the government’s crackdown on dissent.

The arrests come in the wake of increased scrutiny of opposition figures following the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March 2025, a move widely viewed as politically motivated. Imamoglu, a prominent contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, faced allegations of corruption that his supporters claim were fabricated to undermine his political influence. The CHP has experienced a wave of arrests in recent months, with many officials detained amid allegations of organized crime, bribery, and bid-rigging.

According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the evidence against Karalar and Tutdere originated from a businessman cooperating with authorities after being arrested for running a criminal organization. Prosecutors stated that the mayors had solicited unfair financial benefits from business executives engaged in municipal contracts.

The CHP’s leadership has condemned these actions, asserting that the arrests are part of a systematic effort to neutralize the opposition ahead of Turkey’s next elections, which are anticipated in 2028 but may occur sooner. CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel convened a meeting of senior party officials to discuss the implications of these arrests. In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mansur Yavas, the CHP mayor of Ankara, criticized the lack of accountability for municipalities led by Erdogan’s party, highlighting a perceived double standard in judicial oversight.

This crackdown on opposition figures follows a year marked by significant gains for the CHP during local elections, particularly in areas previously considered strongholds for Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Adiyaman, which suffered greatly from the devastating 2023 earthquake, is among the cities that shifted toward the opposition during these elections.

As the Turkish political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these arrests could reverberate throughout the country, shaping public perception and potentially influencing voter sentiment in the upcoming electoral cycle. The CHP’s efforts to mobilize support in the face of such challenges will be critical as they navigate this increasingly hostile political environment. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the party responds to these arrests and prepares for the future.