Public Takes to the Streets as Authorities Impose Four-Day Ban on Gatherings; Reports of Clashes Between Protesters and Police; Social Media Access Disrupted
Istanbul (International Desk) – Widespread protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, just days before he was set to be nominated as a presidential candidate.
According to international media reports, İmamoğlu, who belongs to the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), was taken into custody on Wednesday morning. He was widely regarded as one of Erdoğan’s strongest political opponents and was expected to be officially nominated as the CHP’s presidential candidate on March 23. Authorities have charged him with corruption and alleged support for a terrorist organization.
As part of the investigation, Turkish police have detained 100 individuals, including politicians, journalists, and business figures.
In an online statement, İmamoğlu declared, “The will of the people cannot be silenced.” His arrest has triggered a wave of unrest, with mass demonstrations taking place across Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities. Protesters have gathered in streets, university campuses, and train stations, voicing their discontent against the government. Reports suggest that clashes have broken out between demonstrators and security forces in Istanbul.
The Turkish government has responded by imposing a four-day ban on public gatherings. However, opposition leaders claim that İmamoğlu’s arrest is a politically motivated move aimed at eliminating him from the presidential race.
Following his detention, disruptions in social media services were reported across Turkey, with users experiencing access issues. While the government maintains that the restrictions are unrelated, opposition members argue that the move is an attempt to suppress dissent.
Turkish opposition leaders have condemned İmamoğlu’s arrest, calling it a “deliberate attempt to remove a future president from the race.” Meanwhile, Arab media reports suggest that the cancellation of İmamoğlu’s official diploma could disqualify him from contesting the presidential election.
With protests intensifying and tensions rising, further demonstrations are expected in the coming days.
