The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been met with widespread protests and condemnation, with many viewing it as a politically motivated move. The head of Turkey’s main opposition party, Özgür Özel, visited İmamoğlu in jail after six nights of mass protests calling for his release. İmamoğlu, who is seen as a main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule, was arrested on corruption charges on 19 March.
The arrest of İmamoğlu has sparked demonstrations in cities across Turkey, some of which have turned violent. The government maintains that the country’s judiciary is independent and free of political influence. In response to the protests, Özel announced that the Republican People’s Party (CHP) would appoint a member to act as mayor in İmamoğlu’s place.
Alongside the crackdown on media and activists, students across Turkey have protested and occupied campuses, while journalists covering banned protests have faced legal charges. The protests have led to the detention of over 200 people, including journalists and activists. Despite the crackdown, demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities have largely remained peaceful, with protesters demanding İmamoğlu’s release and an end to democratic backsliding.
The governors of Ankara and Izmir have extended bans on demonstrations, and the Interior Minister has stated that police have detained dozens of “provocateurs.” Despite the tensions, there have been condemnations of insults against Erdoğan’s family, with the president calling for moderation and warning against those who seek to spread terror. The situation remains tense as the country grapples with political unrest and calls for İmamoğlu’s release.
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