Turkey’s protests against the detention of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu have grown increasingly tense, with thousands taking to the streets in mostly peaceful demonstrations since his arrest on Wednesday. The government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has condemned the protests as “vandalism” and vowed to maintain order.
Imamoglu, who is Erdogan’s main rival, was detained on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel has called for lawful demonstrations, while Erdogan has threatened to crack down on protesters.
The protests have been held in various cities, including Istanbul, despite a ban on gatherings imposed after Imamoglu’s detention. Police have used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse crowds, leading to clashes with riot police in several cities.
Erdogan has warned that any further street protests will be met with force, saying they are “a dead end”. The government denies the charges against Imamoglu and claims that the judiciary is independent.
The protests have had a significant impact on Turkey’s economy, with the lira and bonds tumbling on Friday. The central bank has intervened to stabilize the currency, which has plummeted by 12% since Imamoglu’s detention.
A court is expected to rule on Imamoglu’s formal arrest this weekend, which could further accelerate the economic fallout. European leaders have condemned the detention as a sign of democratic backsliding in Turkey.
The CHP party, led by Ozel, has announced that it will support non-party members voting to boost public resistance and has called for peaceful demonstrations. The next election is set for 2028, and the party may announce Imamoglu as its presidential candidate soon.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-criticises-opposition-leaders-call-streets-over-mayors-detention-2025-03-21