Imamoglu under investigation for numerous allegations

The Turkish judiciary is accusing the opposition politician from the social democratic CHP and dozens of other defendants in two different proceedings of crimes related to terrorism and organized crime, as reported by the state news agency Anadolu.

Specifically, they are suspected of membership of a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, fraud and tender manipulation. The arrest of 99 people had been ordered in the case. Seven people, including Imamoglu, are also being investigated for supporting the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

According to Anadolu, 79 people were arrested on Wednesday, including the mayors of two Istanbul municipalities and a well-known singer.

Imamoglu is considered the most promising challenger to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was to be nominated by his party as a presidential candidate on Sunday.