Turkiye’s main opposition leader renewed calls for peaceful mass protests on Friday following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Authorities, meanwhile, widened a ban on demonstrations and dismissed the opposition’s claims of political persecution.
Imamoglu was taken into custody early Wednesday in a dramatic pre-dawn raid on his home, accused of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist organizations. Two district mayors and several other opposition figures were also detained. His arrest has fueled accusations that the government is using the legal system to sideline potential challengers ahead of the next presidential election, set for 2028. Officials insist the judiciary is independent and reject claims of political interference.
Growing Unrest and Crackdown on Protests
Since the mayor’s detention, thousands have gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall each night in defiance of the government. Protests have spread to the capital, Ankara, and the coastal city of Izmir, with clashes between demonstrators and police intensifying.
The most violent confrontation took place at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University, where security forces used tear gas and water cannons to break up a student-led demonstration. Protesters allege that rubber bullets were also deployed, though the government denies this claim.
In response, authorities have imposed bans on public gatherings in major cities. Following Istanbul’s earlier restrictions, officials in Ankara and Izmir announced a five-day prohibition on demonstrations. Justice Minister Yilmaz Turan acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but argued that public gatherings were “irresponsible” while legal proceedings were ongoing.
Opposition Defies Restrictions
Despite the government’s measures, Republican People’s Party (CHP) chairman Ozgur Ozel urged citizens to continue demonstrating.
“I call on tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands—millions—to take to the streets peacefully,” Ozel said in a speech on Friday. “This is not about us urging people to protest—it is the government’s lawlessness that has driven them to the streets.”
Imamoglu’s arrest came just days before he was expected to be formally nominated as the CHP’s presidential candidate in an upcoming primary on Sunday. The party has vowed to proceed with the nomination, with 1.5 million delegates eligible to vote. Additionally, the CHP is organizing a symbolic nationwide election, setting up ballot boxes across Turkiye as a show of solidarity with the detained mayor.
Legal Uncertainty and Political Implications
Authorities have not yet announced when Imamoglu will be formally questioned. Under Turkiye’s legal system, suspects can be held for up to four days before being charged. Analysts suggest that if he is officially accused of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), he could be removed from office and replaced by a government-appointed trustee.
Imamoglu, who has been a rising star in opposition politics, previously defeated Erdogan’s party in the 2019 municipal elections, dealing the president a significant blow. His arrest is widely seen as an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of future elections.
With tensions escalating and protests spreading, Turkiye faces one of its most serious political crises in years.
