Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of individuals for “provocative” social media posts, following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday. Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was among 106 people held on charges including corruption and aiding terrorist groups.
The arrests were sparked by concerns over online content inciting public hatred and hostility, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announcing the detention of 261 “suspect account managers.” Imamoglu’s X account posted a message urging Turkey to stand against what he described as an “evil” force, calling on judiciary members and Erdogan’s party supporters to fight injustice.
Protests have erupted in Istanbul and Ankara, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “We are not scared, we won’t be silenced” and “Fill the streets.” Despite the arrests, opposition leaders say the detentions are politically motivated and aimed at intimidating opponents of Erdogan.
The detention of Imamoglu comes amid a nationwide crackdown on opposition politicians, journalists, and figures in the entertainment industry. The CHP’s presidential candidate selection is set to take place on Sunday, with 1.5 million members voting for the party’s sole candidate, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Turkey’s pro-Erdogan governor has banned protests for four days, but opposition leaders plan further demonstrations despite this. Erdogan cannot run for office again in 2028 unless he changes the constitution, a fact that has personal significance to him given his history with Istanbul.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv43dd3vlgo