Mass Protests Erupt in Turkey After Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Arrest
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption and terrorism-related charges sparks nationwide protests, raising concerns over democracy, political repression, and Turkey’s upcoming elections.
Watan-Turkish media have reported that protests have spread from Istanbul to Ankara, where Turkish riot police have used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Sources indicate that protests have erupted in most Turkish cities, demanding the resignation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Growing Political Tensions in Turkey
On March 19, 2025, Turkey witnessed escalating political tensions after the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure, on charges related to corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. This arrest has sparked a wave of protests across multiple Turkish cities, with many viewing it as a blow to democracy and an attempt to eliminate a strong political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Background and Reasons for the Arrest
According to a statement from the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office, İmamoğlu has been charged with corruption, extortion, and was described as the leader of a “profit-driven criminal organization.” He has also been accused of assisting the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The arrest came just hours after Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu’s university degree, a move that could potentially disqualify him from running in the next presidential election.
Reactions and Political Turmoil
The arrest of İmamoğlu has triggered outrage from opposition parties and civil society groups.
- Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), described the arrest as “a coup to prevent the election of Turkey’s next president”, emphasizing that Turkey will not surrender to this “political coup.”
- In Istanbul, hundreds of protesters gathered near the police headquarters, chanting support for İmamoğlu and condemning the government. Police blocked roads leading to the site and used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
- Student protests erupted at Istanbul University, but police responded with a heavy-handed crackdown.
The protests soon spread to other cities, including Ankara, where demonstrators called for İmamoğlu’s release and Erdoğan’s resignation. The unrest coincides with a worsening economic crisis, as the Turkish lira plunged to an all-time low of 40 lira per dollar just hours after İmamoğlu’s arrest.
Political Implications of the Arrest
Ekrem İmamoğlu is one of Turkey’s most influential opposition leaders, having secured victories in the Istanbul mayoral elections of 2019 and 2024. His electoral successes have positioned him as a strong challenger to President Erdoğan in the upcoming presidential elections.
His arrest is likely to deepen political divisions and escalate tensions between the government and opposition forces.
Turkish Government’s Response
Turkish authorities maintain that the investigation is being conducted legally and fairly.
- Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that 100 individuals have been detained as part of a broader corruption probe.
- The government insists that “no one is above the law, including the mayor of Istanbul.”
However, the arrest of İmamoğlu marks a significant turning point in Turkey’s political landscape. With ongoing protests and mounting domestic and international criticism, the focus now shifts to how the Turkish government will handle the crisis and the potential impact on Turkey’s next elections.
