Mass Protests Erupt in Türkiye Following Arrest of Istanbul Mayor

Protests have broken out across Istanbul and other Turkish cities following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Orda.kz reports, citing Turkish media.

Thousands of demonstrators, including students from İstanbul Üniversitesi, have taken to the streets, while others protest from their homes by banging pots and pans and flashing their lights on and off.

Reports indicate clashes with police, with tear gas and batons being used against protesters.

İmamoğlu’s Arrest and Controversial Charges

İmamoğlu, a key figure in the opposition Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP), has been charged with corruption and alleged ties to terrorists. More than 100 individuals, including journalists and businessmen, are also implicated in the case.

Just days before his detention, on March 17, İstanbul Üniversitesi revoked İmamoğlu’s higher education diploma, effectively disqualifying him from running in the upcoming presidential elections under Turkish law.

Despite the arrest, CHP leader Özgür Özel announced that İmamoğlu would still be nominated as a presidential candidate. The detained mayor also vowed to "continue the fight."

The CHP considers the charges fabricated and his detention a politically motivated attack on the opposition.

Government Response

The Turkish government insists that İmamoğlu’s detention is “legal and unrelated to politics.”

However, authorities have imposed nationwide restrictions, including:

• Blocking access to social media under the pretext of "maintaining public order"
• Closing metro lines in Istanbul
• Setting up police checkpoints
• Banning demonstrations and rallies from March 19 to 23
• The situation remains tense, with opposition groups calling for continued protests despite the crackdown

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova