Turkey is facing a wave of nationwide protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure. Turkish authorities reported that 343 people were detained during demonstrations on Friday night, marking the third consecutive day of unrest.
Imamoglu, a member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested on Wednesday on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups. His detention comes just days before he was expected to be announced as a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, where he was widely seen as one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s strongest challengers.
In response to the protests, Erdogan condemned the demonstrations, stating, “We will not surrender to vandalism or street terror. We will not accept the disruption of public order.” Meanwhile, Istanbul’s pro-Erdogan governor ordered the closure of the Galata and Ataturk bridges to restrict access to city hall, where thousands of protesters had gathered.
The CHP, led by Ozgur Ozel, called for nationwide protests, urging people to take to the streets peacefully. “Break down those barricades without harming the police, take to the streets and squares,” Ozel said. Riot police in Istanbul responded with rubber bullets and pepper gas as they clashed with demonstrators. Similar scenes unfolded in Izmir, where additional arrests were reported.
To stifle dissent, authorities imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings in Istanbul, later extending the restrictions to Ankara and Izmir as protests spread. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya criticized the opposition as “irresponsible” and announced the arrest of 54 individuals accused of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” through online posts. He also reported injuries to 16 police officers during the clashes.
The arrest of Imamoglu is part of a broader crackdown targeting opposition figures, journalists, and entertainment personalities. Critics argue that the arrests are politically motivated, a claim the Ministry of Justice denies, insisting on judicial independence.
Imamoglu’s second term as Istanbul’s mayor marked a significant political shift, as the CHP’s victory in local elections dealt a blow to Erdogan’s ruling party. The opposition party plans a symbolic election on Sunday, allowing citizens to vote in support of Imamoglu. As tensions continue to rise, the outcome of these protests could shape Turkey’s political landscape in the years ahead.
