Protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s arrest of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu have taken a new direction in Turkey, with calls for a one-day shopping boycott. The student groups behind the call have urged businesses to close on Wednesday and have accused companies that support the government of being complicit in the arrest.
The boycott was sparked by Imamoglu’s corruption and terrorism charges, which observers say are politically motivated. The government claims the judiciary is independent, but supporters of Imamoglu’s party, including CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, have called for people to shun companies they deem supportive of the government.
The government has responded fiercely to the boycott call, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya labeling it “sabotage” and Trade Minister Omer Bolat threatening financial losses for businesses that participate. The head of Turkey’s broadcasting authority has also announced possible action against news channels that publicized the boycott.
Meanwhile, protests have turned violent, with reports emerging of police brutality, including beatings, hunger strikes, and denial of basic rights to detained protesters. Despite these challenges, supporters of Imamoglu remain defiant, insisting on his release and an end to democratic backsliding.
Imamoglu himself has spoken out from prison, claiming European politicians have cut ties with Turkey due to the government’s actions. The situation remains tense, with the opposition party confirming its presidential candidate for 2028 elections.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/boycott-imamoglu-ozel-protests-a70b4704124e12f64a449344fe05e729