ISTANBUL, Turkey — Turkey is witnessing its largest wave of protests in more than a decade following the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The government’s escalating crackdown has seen over 1,100 protesters detained, along with multiple journalists, raising global concerns about press freedom and democratic rights in the country.
Crackdown on Journalists and Protesters
The Disk-Basin-Is media workers’ union reported that at least eight journalists and photojournalists were detained during Monday’s demonstrations.
The union condemned the arrests as an “attack on press freedoms and the people’s right to learn the truth” and demanded their immediate release.
Meanwhile, social media platform X confirmed that Turkish authorities had ordered the blocking of over 700 accounts, including those belonging to journalists, political figures, and media outlets. The company is contesting these court orders.
Imamoglu’s Arrest and Charges
Imamoglu was formally arrested on Sunday, March 23, 2025, charged with running a criminal organisation, bribery, extortion, bid-rigging, and illegal data recording. He has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated.
His arrest came after a dramatic police raid at his home last Wednesday, sparking immediate nationwide protests.
Cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have seen hundreds of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets, with protests largely peaceful but occasionally clashing with police.
Authorities have deployed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, while some protesters responded with stones, fireworks, and flares—despite Imamoglu’s repeated calls for non-violence.
“I’m working hard, I will work even harder. Where I am does not matter,” Imamoglu said in a message from detention, urging youth to remain peaceful and police to show restraint.
Erdogan’s Hardline Response
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed accusations of political interference, blaming opposition leader Ozgur Ozel for inciting unrest.
“Stop disturbing our citizens’ peace with provocations,” Erdogan declared in a televised address.
“If you have the courage, account for the corruption, theft, bribes taken, and irregularities committed.”
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 1,133 protesters had been detained since Imamoglu’s arrest, claiming that some had links to terrorist groups and criminal organisations.
Authorities also claimed to have confiscated acid, firebombs, and knives at protest sites.
Meanwhile, 43 additional protesters were detained Monday as police intensified their crackdown outside Istanbul’s city hall, where opposition leader Ozgur Ozel continues to lead daily rallies.
Widespread Political Fallout
Despite his detention, Imamoglu remains a formidable political force. Over the weekend, 1.7 million members of his Republican People’s Party (CHP) endorsed him as their candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Millions more participated in “solidarity votes,” showing public support for his leadership.
Alongside Imamoglu, 47 of his allies, including two Istanbul district mayors, were also jailed pending trial.
The government has already replaced one mayor with a pro-government appointee, fueling accusations of an authoritarian purge.
Authorities are now investigating Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, another opposition figure, over alleged misuse of public funds related to concert events—widely seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition-led municipalities.
Protesters Demand Democracy, Not Just Imamoglu’s Freedom
The protests have attracted demonstrators of all ages and political backgrounds.
Many emphasize that their fight is about defending democratic principles, not individual politicians.
“There is a coup against our democracy right now,” said an elderly protester.
“I’m here for my rights, not for a political figure,” added a younger demonstrator.
Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel has called for nationwide boycotts of pro-government companies and media outlets and challenged Erdogan to broadcast Imamoglu’s trial live on state television.
What Comes Next?
As demonstrations enter their sixth consecutive night, Turkey faces a pivotal moment.
The government’s response to public dissent—and the outcome of Imamoglu’s trial—could shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.
With growing calls for judicial independence and democratic reforms, Turkey’s leaders are under intense domestic and international scrutiny.
Whether Erdogan continues his hardline stance or bows to pressure will define the road to the 2028 presidential election.
For now, the standoff continues, with police barricades and daily protests transforming Istanbul’s city hall into the epicenter of a deepening political crisis.
