Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Imamoglu, who was poised to be the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) presidential nominee for the 2028 elections, was formally charged with corruption and remanded in custody.
The arrest has sparked the worst unrest Turkey has seen in over a decade, with security forces deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against demonstrators.
The protests, which began last week, escalated on Sunday night as anger over what many see as a politically motivated case against Imamoglu boiled over.
A Nation in Turmoil
Crowds amassed near Istanbul’s city hall for the fifth consecutive night, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans against the government. Riot police formed barricades, and in several instances, officers used pepper spray to disperse demonstrators.
The unrest has spread beyond Istanbul, with rallies taking place in at least 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, according to a tally by French news agency AFP.
The scale of the demonstrations is reminiscent of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, which erupted over a government-backed redevelopment project and quickly evolved into a broader movement against Erdogan’s rule.
Political Tensions Soar
Imamoglu, a popular figure within the opposition, has dismissed the charges against him as politically motivated. In a statement posted on X before his detention, he declared, “I will never bow.”
His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, addressed demonstrators outside Istanbul’s city hall, stating that the “injustice” her husband faces has “struck a chord with every conscience.”
The mayor’s arrest has intensified existing political divisions, with the CHP accusing Erdogan’s administration of using judicial tactics to sideline opponents ahead of future elections. CHP officials and opposition figures have condemned the charges, calling them an attempt to undermine Turkey’s democratic institutions.
Government Response
President Erdogan has firmly condemned the protests, accusing the CHP of inciting unrest and attempting to “disturb the peace and polarise our people.” Government officials have defended Imamoglu’s arrest, insisting that the case against him follows legal due process.
Security forces have maintained a heavy presence in major cities, particularly Istanbul and Ankara, where tensions remain high. Reports indicate that dozens of protesters have been detained, and human rights groups have raised concerns over police use of force.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing protests underscore growing public dissatisfaction with Erdogan’s administration, particularly among urban voters and young people.
With the 2028 elections still years away, the political fallout from Imamoglu’s arrest is expected to have long-term implications for Turkey’s opposition movement.
As demonstrations continue, the government faces increasing pressure to ease tensions and address public grievances. However, with both sides unwilling to back down, the crisis appears far from resolution.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members