Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has described the country’s widespread protests as a “movement of violence” following the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The protesters, mostly from the main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP), have taken to the streets for five consecutive nights, defying bans on gatherings.
The detention of Imamoglu on corruption charges has sparked the largest street protests in Turkey in over a decade. Despite this, the demonstrations remain largely peaceful, with hundreds of thousands participating. However, Erdogan has accused the CHP and its supporters of “provoking” citizens and threatening national security.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikiaya, 123 police officers have been injured during the protests, while 1,133 people have been detained. The CHP labels Imamoglu’s arrest as politically motivated and undemocratic, with Erdogan’s government denying these claims.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-detains-nine-journalists-over-protests-against-istanbul-mayors-arrest-2025-03-24