Turkey: Week of Protests Following Imamoglu’s Arrest

Protests in Turkey continue despite an official ban on demonstrations. The country has been plagued by political instability after the confirmed arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main rival and leader of the largest opposition force, the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on his X social media page that more than 1400 people were detained in protests in Turkey between March 19 and March 25. “A total of 1418 people were arrested during illegal demonstrations held between March 19 and March 25. Of these, 979 suspects have been taken into custody, and 478 have been brought to court,” Yerlikaya said.

Imamoglu was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption and links to terrorist organizations. He had also previously had his university degree revoked, a prerequisite for his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.

The unrest has spread to Ankara, Istanbul, and other cities in Turkey. A statement from the local prefecture said the province was witnessing “unauthorized activities accompanied by acts of violence, threats to security, and damage to public property.” Authorities announced a ban on marches, sit-ins, and other protests until April 1.

In a television interview, Erdogan stated: “The opposition show will end sooner or later, and they will be ashamed of the damage they have done to the country. This movement has turned into outright violence, and those who support it must be held accountable.”