Turkish authorities arrest key rival of Erdogan; critics say it's 'no coincidence'

Ciddi warned that the detention of political adversaries represents the end point of Turkey as a democracy, claiming that free and fair elections as well as peaceful transfer of power are no longer possible.

Turkish officials pushed back on accusations that the wave of arrests was politically motivated.

A spokesperson from the Turkish Embassy in Washington referred Fox News Digital to a statement from the Justice Ministry.

"Attempting to associate judicial investigations and cases with our President is, to say the least, an act of audacity and irresponsibility," wrote Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç.

"In our country, the separation of powers-legislative, executive, and judicial-is a fundamental principle. The judiciary does not take orders from anyone," the statement added.

"I stand resolute, entrusting myself not only to the 16 million residents of Istanbul but to the 86 million citizens of Türkiye and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide. I stand firm in my fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms."