DJ Mabbas among those jailed alongside Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu

Turkey has been gripped by political turbulence since Wednesday, as sweeping investigations into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, centred on controversial allegations of “corruption” and “terrorism”, have stirred nationwide debate and fuelled a wave of student-driven pro-democracy protests.

The detentions and details of the investigation that surfaced in the media just a day after Istanbul University announced the cancellation of Ekrem Imamoglu’s degree have deepened concerns over the impartiality of the judicial process in the country. The operation, launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and resulting in detention orders for 106 individuals, has made headlines with serious accusations directed at Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and his team. However, growing debate surrounds the credibility of the charges, with many viewing them as baseless and part of a politically motivated scheme. According to leaked custody transcripts, the allegations, ranging from bid-rigging and bribery to links with terrorist organisations, appear to rely more on hearsay than on concrete evidence.

Among those held in custody for four days following Wednesday’s raids were the mayor himself and Murat Abbas, who leads the municipality's cultural arm and is also known for his presence behind the decks as DJ Mabbas. After appearing in court today (March 23), both were jailed in connection with the ongoing case.

Ekrem Imamoglu, seen by many as the opposition’s strongest candidate to challenge incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming presidential race, is at the centre of what critics now describe as a politically orchestrated takedown. Imamoglu previously weathered attempts to block his election as Istanbul mayor, winning two consecutive races, each time increasing his vote share against Erdogan’s ruling party.

Under Ekrem Imamoglu’s leadership, the municipality made notable strides in supporting Turkey’s cultural sector, particularly during the pandemic. One such initiative was launched to provide economic relief to struggling musicians during lockdown. The programme was a landmark moment, marking the first time in Turkey that a local government directly engaged the music industry amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Murat Abbas played a key role in spearheading the initiative, ensuring DJs were also included in the cultural programming. Prior to his role at the municipality, Abbas served as General Manager of Zorlu Performing Arts Centre, one of Istanbul’s most prominent venues and the local host of Sónar Istanbul.

Observers fear that Erdogan’s next move could involve appointing government trustees to replace the elected management of both the municipality and the main opposition party CHP, which backs Imamoglu. Amid growing concern over Turkey’s democratic backsliding and the steady shift towards a full-scale authoritarian rule, hundreds of thousands across the country have taken to the streets, continuing to voice their resistance through mass demonstrations.