Istanbul has seen two nights of unrest following the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds protesting his detention, despite a four-day ban on demonstrations.
Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was detained on Wednesday alongside 105 others. The charges include corruption and aiding terrorist organizations. His arrest comes just days before the CHP was expected to confirm him as its candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
The Turkish government has also cracked down on social media, arresting individuals accused of posting “provocative” content about the situation.
Erdogan Dismisses Protests as ‘Overreaction’
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has downplayed the protests, accusing opposition figures of using the situation for political drama.
“They have lost all sense of balance,” Erdogan said, criticizing those challenging the government’s handling of the case.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç defended the legal process, stating that calling for mass protests during an ongoing investigation is “unlawful and unacceptable.”
CHP Condemns Arrest as a Political Attack
CHP leader Özgür Özel called Imamoglu’s arrest a “coup attempt” and urged supporters to resist what he described as government overreach. Speaking outside Istanbul’s city hall, he insisted that public demonstrations were a legitimate response to the situation.
Meanwhile, Imamoglu himself issued a call to action, urging Turkish citizens—including members of Erdogan’s own party—to oppose what he described as an injustice affecting all citizens.
Growing Crackdown, but Limited Protest Turnout
Despite the vocal opposition, the protests have remained relatively small in scale. In a city of 16 million, the demonstrations have yet to reach a level that would force Erdogan to reconsider his position.
Authorities have until Sunday to decide whether to formally charge or release Imamoglu. His arrest is part of a broader wave of detentions targeting opposition figures, journalists, and cultural figures, raising concerns about political repression in Turkey.
CHP Organizes Symbolic Vote Amid Political Tensions
As a show of defiance, CHP is moving forward with its presidential candidate selection on Sunday, where its 1.5 million members will vote. Imamoglu remains the only candidate. The party is also organizing a symbolic public vote across Turkey to allow citizens to express their support for the detained mayor.
Imamoglu’s victory in last year’s municipal elections, which saw CHP take control of key cities like Istanbul and Ankara, dealt Erdogan’s party a historic defeat. The loss was particularly significant for Erdogan, who began his political career as mayor of Istanbul.
With Erdogan facing term limits preventing him from running again in 2028 unless constitutional changes are made, opposition figures fear that further arrests may follow as the government seeks to weaken political challengers.