The detention of Istanbul’s mayor sparks a new wave of protests against Erdoğan’s government, with political and economic repercussions.
In recent days, Turkey has witnessed significant protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The demonstrations, which began on March 19, 2025, have involved tens of thousands of citizens in various cities across the country, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Muğla, and Eskişehir.
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest was carried out on charges of corruption and collaboration with terrorist groups, accusations that he firmly denies. Many perceive his detention as a political maneuver aimed at eliminating a significant contender ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. As a result, this move has sparked widespread outrage among the population, already dissatisfied with the government’s increasing authoritarianism.
Nationwide Mobilization Despite Restrictions
The protests have seen massive popular participation. In Istanbul, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Saraçhane Square, while other major protests took place in cities such as Ankara and Izmir. Despite government restrictions, university students and labor unions have organized strikes and boycotts as acts of solidarity.
The Turkish government has responded to the demonstrations with repressive measures. The police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse protesters, thus leading to the arrest of hundreds of individuals. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 343 people were detained during nighttime protests in various cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. Several human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have condemned the excessive use of force and arbitrary detentions.
International Community Raises Alarm
The international community has expressed concern over developments in Turkey. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced worries about the country’s political stability. Additionally, the Council of Europe has urged Turkish authorities to respect the rights of assembly and expression.
The protests have had significant political and economic repercussions. The opposition has strengthened its stance, accusing the government of attempting to eliminate political rivals through judicial maneuvers. Economically, the Istanbul Stock Exchange has suffered substantial losses, and inflation has risen, further worsening the country’s economic crisis.
The recent protests in Turkey highlight growing dissatisfaction with Erdoğan’s government and raise questions about the country’s political future. The detention of Istanbul’s mayor has acted as a catalyst for large-scale mobilization, indicating a possible turning point in Turkey’s political landscape.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/turkey-protest-istanbul-mayor-ekrem-imamoglu-arrest-president-erdogan.